Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic Decompression

Lumbar spine microscopic decompression (LSMD) is a common surgical procedure for decompressing neural elements. Although the optimal extent of decompression remains a critical consideration, limited evidence-based guidelines define the threshold for instrumented fusion to maintain biomechanical stab...

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Main Authors: Walter-Soon-Yaw Wong, Ashton Kai Shun Tan, Kenneth Zhi Kuan Loi, Dhivakaran Gengatharan, Craigven Hao Sheng Sim, Hao Bin Chen, Yilun Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research 2025-01-01
Series:Spine Surgery and Related Research
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Online Access:https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ssrr/9/1/9_2024-0137/_pdf/-char/en
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author Walter-Soon-Yaw Wong
Ashton Kai Shun Tan
Kenneth Zhi Kuan Loi
Dhivakaran Gengatharan
Craigven Hao Sheng Sim
Hao Bin Chen
Yilun Huang
author_facet Walter-Soon-Yaw Wong
Ashton Kai Shun Tan
Kenneth Zhi Kuan Loi
Dhivakaran Gengatharan
Craigven Hao Sheng Sim
Hao Bin Chen
Yilun Huang
author_sort Walter-Soon-Yaw Wong
collection DOAJ
description Lumbar spine microscopic decompression (LSMD) is a common surgical procedure for decompressing neural elements. Although the optimal extent of decompression remains a critical consideration, limited evidence-based guidelines define the threshold for instrumented fusion to maintain biomechanical stability. Existing studies suggest that unilateral LSMD generally does not result in iatrogenic instability. However, the potential instability associated with bilateral segmental decompression (BLSMD) is less well-defined, particularly in patients with pre-existing degenerative lumbar scoliosis (SC) or spondylolisthesis (SL). This retrospective study included patients undergoing BLSMD without instrumented fusion. Pre-existing SC was defined as Cobb's angle 10° and SL as any anterior-posterior slip of operated level adjacent vertebral bodies. The primary outcome was new or progressive SC/SL measured on pre and postoperative radiographs. Secondary outcomes were revision rates, changes in Visual Analog Scores (bVAS/lVAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, collected preoperatively and 1-2 years postoperatively. Baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, sex, and number of levels operated were also collected. A total of 31 patients were reviewed comprising 15 female and 16 male patients with a mean age of 61.4 years (21-78) and BMI of 26.5 (18-41). There were 14 one-level, 12 two-level, and 4 three-level BLSMD performed. Patients with pre-existing SC and SL had a 66% and 23% incidence of radiological progression, respectively, compared to 0% in patients without pre-existing deformity. Progression cases were associated with high reoperation rates (up to 75%) and seemed to have inferior clinical outcomes than those without progression. In patients undergoing BLSMD, pre-existing SC/SL is linked to a higher incidence of radiological progression and higher reoperation rates. For patients with SC/SL, careful consideration should be given to limiting decompression, potentially exploring fusion options, and implementing close postoperative radiographic monitoring.
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spelling doaj-art-0e055751c49c431aa864e2fff4865f8c2025-02-09T23:30:07ZengThe Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related ResearchSpine Surgery and Related Research2432-261X2025-01-0191303510.22603/ssrr.2024-01372024-0137Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic DecompressionWalter-Soon-Yaw Wong0Ashton Kai Shun Tan1Kenneth Zhi Kuan Loi2Dhivakaran Gengatharan3Craigven Hao Sheng Sim4Hao Bin Chen5Yilun Huang6Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Singapore General HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General HospitalDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Sengkang General HospitalLumbar spine microscopic decompression (LSMD) is a common surgical procedure for decompressing neural elements. Although the optimal extent of decompression remains a critical consideration, limited evidence-based guidelines define the threshold for instrumented fusion to maintain biomechanical stability. Existing studies suggest that unilateral LSMD generally does not result in iatrogenic instability. However, the potential instability associated with bilateral segmental decompression (BLSMD) is less well-defined, particularly in patients with pre-existing degenerative lumbar scoliosis (SC) or spondylolisthesis (SL). This retrospective study included patients undergoing BLSMD without instrumented fusion. Pre-existing SC was defined as Cobb's angle 10° and SL as any anterior-posterior slip of operated level adjacent vertebral bodies. The primary outcome was new or progressive SC/SL measured on pre and postoperative radiographs. Secondary outcomes were revision rates, changes in Visual Analog Scores (bVAS/lVAS), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, collected preoperatively and 1-2 years postoperatively. Baseline characteristics such as age, BMI, sex, and number of levels operated were also collected. A total of 31 patients were reviewed comprising 15 female and 16 male patients with a mean age of 61.4 years (21-78) and BMI of 26.5 (18-41). There were 14 one-level, 12 two-level, and 4 three-level BLSMD performed. Patients with pre-existing SC and SL had a 66% and 23% incidence of radiological progression, respectively, compared to 0% in patients without pre-existing deformity. Progression cases were associated with high reoperation rates (up to 75%) and seemed to have inferior clinical outcomes than those without progression. In patients undergoing BLSMD, pre-existing SC/SL is linked to a higher incidence of radiological progression and higher reoperation rates. For patients with SC/SL, careful consideration should be given to limiting decompression, potentially exploring fusion options, and implementing close postoperative radiographic monitoring.https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ssrr/9/1/9_2024-0137/_pdf/-char/enscoliosisspondylolisthesissegmental decompressionbilaterallumbar spine
spellingShingle Walter-Soon-Yaw Wong
Ashton Kai Shun Tan
Kenneth Zhi Kuan Loi
Dhivakaran Gengatharan
Craigven Hao Sheng Sim
Hao Bin Chen
Yilun Huang
Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic Decompression
Spine Surgery and Related Research
scoliosis
spondylolisthesis
segmental decompression
bilateral
lumbar spine
title Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic Decompression
title_full Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic Decompression
title_fullStr Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic Decompression
title_full_unstemmed Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic Decompression
title_short Spondylolisthesis and Scoliosis Progression and Associated Revision Rates Following Bilateral Lumbar Spine Microscopic Decompression
title_sort spondylolisthesis and scoliosis progression and associated revision rates following bilateral lumbar spine microscopic decompression
topic scoliosis
spondylolisthesis
segmental decompression
bilateral
lumbar spine
url https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ssrr/9/1/9_2024-0137/_pdf/-char/en
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