Traumatic Spondylolisthesis of the Lumbar Spine: A Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is uncommon and can result in canal narrowing and spinal cord injury. Early decompression promotes recovery of neurological function. We report 3 such cases: one in the lumbosacral joint and 2 in the lumbar spine. The former patient had an open fracture-dislocation and underwent (delayed) posterior decompression and instrumentation without interbody fusion. The connecting rods broke at 3 years and the patient had a residual neurological deficit. We recommend early decompression with posterior instrumentation and interbody fusion for maximum recovery of neurological function and stability of the spine.

Traumatic lumbar spondylolisthesis without facet fracture at L4/L5. A case report and literature review

“…Meticulous clinical examination and careful imaging assessment, including CT scan and MRI, provide an early diagnosis in cases of lumbosacral dislocation [12]. MRI demonstrates a disruption of the posterior ligamentous [3,12,13]. Initially the treatment is conservative and involves hospitalization with bed rest and more analgesics; then surgical treatment is indicated.…”

“…into dysplasic, isthmic, degenerative, pathologic and traumatic types [2]. Acute traumatic type is very rare [3]. The aim is to report a rare case of Traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 level and discuss its mechanism and management.…”

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis: What the primary care provider should know

“…Any grade III or above symptomatic spondylolisthesis is a consideration for surgical planning. Immediate surgical intervention is indicated in cauda equina syndrome and traumatic spondylolisthesis to restore neurologic function (Lim, Hee, & Liu, ). The standard surgical procedure for spondylolisthesis is a decompressive lumbar laminectomy with instrumented posterior fusion (Herkowitz, ; Watters et al., ).…”

Traumatic lumbar spondylolisthesis

“…Traumatic lumbar spondylolisthesis is an uncommon injury 1 and its mechanism and treatment remain controversial. A combination of multiple forces may be responsible for the occurrence of the trauma 2 and in English literatures, the injury was reported to be treated using different surgical approaches.…”