Surgery Versus Conservative Management in Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized study was performed. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether posterolateral fusion in patients with adult isthmic spondylolisthesis results in an improved outcome compared with an exercise program. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In spondylolisthesis, satisfactory results have been reported with both surgical and conservative management. The evidence for treatment efficacy, however, is weak because prospective randomized studies are lacking. METHODS: In this study, 111 patients were randomly allocated to an exercise program (n = 34) or posterolateral fusion with or without transpedicular fixation (n = 77). The inclusion criteria were lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis of any grade, at least 1 year of low back pain or sciatica, and a severely restricted functional ability in individuals 18 to 55 years of age. Pain and functional disability were quantified before treatment and at 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments by visual analog scales (VAS). RESULTS: The 2-year follow-up rate was 93%. The functional outcome, as assessed by the Disability Rating Index and the pain reduction, was better in the surgically treated group than in the exercise group at both the 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments (P < 0.01). In the longitudinal analysis, the mean Disability Rating Index and pain improved in the surgical group (P < 0.0001). In the exercise group, the Disability Rating Index did not change at all, whereas the pain decreased slightly (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis improves function and relieves pain more efficiently than an exercise program.