"Is Instrumentation Necessary for "Static" Degenerative Spondylolisthesis"

"Is Instrumentation Necessary for "Static" Degenerative Spondylolisthesis - A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study"

The purpose of this study is to determine whether instrumented lumbar fusion provides superior clinical outcomes in comparison to non-instrumented fusion in patients with "static" degenerative spondylolisthesis.

This study will determine whether instrumented lumbar fusion will provide superior clinical outcomes in comparison to non-instrumented fusion in patients with "STATIC" degenerative spondylolisthesis. At the time of scheduling surgery, patients who meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be asked to participate. Patients who agree, will be randomized to either non-instrumented or instrumented arthrodesis group. Intra-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative data will be collected and compared. The investigators predict to get very similar clinical outcomes between the two groups, with possibly less complications from the non-instrumented group and definitely a reduction in cost compared to the instrumented group.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with stable L4-5 spondylolisthesis on lumbar flexion and extension radiographs. Stability will be determined by the treating physician.
2. Patients with concomitant spinal stenosis.
3. Laminectomy at any lumbar levels of stenosis.
4. Fusion only at L4-5 level.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior lumbar spine surgery
2. Multi-level spondylolisthesis
3. Anterior interbody work/fusion
4. Tumor
5. Infection
6. Trauma