[Long-term results of the surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis using Schöllner's sacral plate]

Treatment of spondylolisthesis is discussed differently even nowadays. In addition to that long term results of surgical reduction and stabilization by internal fixation are rare. Therefore the evaluation of the data of 61 patients treated operatively with the sacral plate by Schöllner with a mean follow-up of more than 10 years seemed to be justified. Additionally 48 out of 61 patients could be reexamined at follow-up and answered a questionnaire to measure their subjective status. Mean age at the time of surgery averaged almost 18 years. 14 male and 47 female patients were treated. Sagittal translation averaged 66% and was corrected to a mean 31%. Sagittal rotation was corrected approximately 70%. Preoperative neurological deficits could be treated successfully in most of the cases. However, in 5 cases irreversible neurological lesions of the L5 nerve root occurred. Early revision surgery was indicated three times each in cases of implant loosening and distal plate pull-out. 4 of 5 patients underwent additional surgery due to pseudoarthrosis. At follow-up 75% of the patients were pain free, another 22.9% experienced improvement of at least 80%. 47 out of 48 patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the result of the operation. In our mind the long term results justify operative reduction and stabilization of spondylolisthesis by internal fixation for improvement of static, function and symptoms. Possibilities to reduce complications are discussed.