Iatrogenic spondylolisthesis following laminectomy for degenerative lumbar stenosis: systematic review and current concepts

OBJECT Decompression without fusion for degenerative lumbar stenosis is an effective treatment for both the pain and disability of neurogenic claudication. Iatrogenic instability following decompression may require further intervention to stabilize the spine. The authors review the incidence of postsurgical instability following lumbar decompression, and assess the impact of surgical technique as well as study design on the incidence of instability. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify surgical cohorts of patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis, with and without preexisting spondylolisthesis, who were treated with laminectomy or minimally invasive decompression without fusion. Data on patient characteristics, surgical indications and techniques, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and reoperation rates were collected and analyzed. RESULTS A systematic review of 24 studies involving 2496 patients was performed, assessing both open laminectomy and minimally invasive bilateral canal enlargement. Postoperative pain and functional outcomes were similar across the various studies, and postoperative radiographic instability was seen in 5.5% of patients. Instability was seen more frequently in patients with preexisting spondylolisthesis (12.6%) and in those treated with open laminectomy (12%). Reoperation for instability was required in 1.8% of all patients, and was higher for patients with preoperative spondylolisthesis (9.3%) and for those treated with open laminectomy (4.1%). CONCLUSIONS Instability following lumbar decompression is a common occurrence. This is particularly true if decompression alone is selected as a surgical approach in patients with established spondylolisthesis. This complication may occur less commonly with the use of minimally invasive techniques; however, larger prospective cohort studies are necessary to more thoroughly explore these findings.