Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis—induced radicular compression: nonfusion-related decompression in selected patients without hypermobility on flexion—extension radiographs

Abstract

These results appear to support a less invasive approach in this subgroup of elderly patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis-induced radicular compression syndromes and without radiographically documented hypermobility. Additional discectomy for simultaneous disc herniation of the spondylolisthetic level did not adversely influence the outcome. Complication rates are minimized and fusion can eventually be performed should decompression alone fail. A prospective controlled study is required to confirm these results.