Minimally Invasive Reconstruction of Vertebral Arch in Spondylolisthesis in Children and Adolescents

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the minimally invasive technique used to reconstruct the vertebral arch with a pedicle screw hook system in grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis in comparison with the traditional technique of segment stabilization with interbody fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 26 patients aged from 11 to 17 years. The follow-up period lasted from 1 to 7 years. Two groups were formed: in group 1 (n=6), segments L(5)–S(1) were stabilized using the traditional technique; in group 2 (n=20), the arch of the L(5) vertebra was reconstructed by means of minimally invasive surgery. The pain syndrome was assessed in each study group using the visual analogue scale and Macnab criteria before and after surgery; blood loss, duration of surgery in minutes, and hospitalization in days were also measured. RESULTS: According to the Macnab scale, the two presented techniques did not show any statistically significant differences; however, when the arch synthesis technique was employed the spinal motion segment remained intact. Furthermore, in group 2, the volume of blood loss was smaller (44.0±19.6 compared to 300.0±130.4 ml, p<0.0001), the duration of the operation was 176.0±41.6 compared to 349.2±93.2 min, p<0.0001, and hospital stay was 6.9±1.6 compared to 10.0±2.1 days, p=0.0025 in the control group. CONCLUSION: The technique of vertebral arch reconstruction by a minimally invasive access gives the possibility to stabilize the spinal motion segment and to preserve biomechanics and movements in the spine. This technique allows for shorter inpatient stays for patients as well as earlier recovery and rehabilitation due to reduced surgery time and blood loss.