Methods of fusion did not have any significant role in improving the functional outcome in the management of grade 1,2 degenerative spondylolisthesis at 5-year follow-up

Background: We conducted this study to compare the functional outcome of patients who underwent
posterolateral fusion for the management of grade 1,2 degenerative spondylolisthesis with patients who
underwent interbody fusion for the same condition. Studies on either of the treatment methods demonstrated significant improvement but the latter is implant driven while the former is not. Although radiological outcomes were found to be better in the interbody fusion we aimed to compare and analyze the functional outcome in these two groups of patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing 44 patients undergoing posterolateral fusion and
46 patients undergoing interbody fusion for grade 1,2 degenerative spondylolisthesis with a minimum 5-
year follow-up were reviewed. Patient demographics, the functional outcome with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and complications were analyzed. Results: Although we noted significant improvement in the ODI scores (p<0.001) compared to the preoperative status, we did not find any significant difference in the ODI scores at 5-year follow-up between the cohorts (p=0.96). We did not find any significant difference in the complication rate (p=0.54) or reoperation rates (p=0.93) between the two groups. Conclusion: The method of fusion did not have a significant role in improving the functional outcome in the management of grade1,2 degenerative spondylolisthesis. There was also no significant difference between the two methods of fusion concerning the dural tear rates, reoperation rate, or infection.