Selective instrumentation, reduction and repair in low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis

We treated 32 patients with low-grade (<30%) isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 with selective instrumentation, reduction of the slip, resection of the pseudoarthrosis adding autologous bone grafting and decompressing the root canal. The ages ranged from 18 to 54 years. After a mean of 3.4 (1-7) years, we found good radiological and clinical results in 27 patients. Five patients lost correction, of whom three were asymptomatic whereas two required fusion of L5-S1. We think this technique is a useful surgical option for select patients.