Objective: To observe the effect of posterior lumbar intervertebral fusion (PLIF) device and a novel transpedical screw system for the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Methods: Thirty-three patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis were treated with PLIF device for intervertebral fusion after total laminectomy and internal fixation with the novel transpedical screw system.
Results: The patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months with an average of 18.6 months. Nerve injuries and infection of the incisions occurred in none of the cases postoperatively, and no cases exhibited PLIF device displacement or transpedical screw loosening or breaking, nor were other complications seen in this group. The clinical results were excellent in 21 cases, good in 10 cases, and acceptable in 2 cases according to the standard of Brantigan.
Conclusion: PLIF device and new transpedical screw system constitute good treatment modalities for lumbar spondylolisthesis, with such merits as full decompression of the spinal canal, good restoration of the vertebral body, immediate pain relief and reliable fixation of the vertebral body to allow early force loading postoperatively, and are therefore suitable for treating lumbar spondylolisthesis.