Three main types of operative technique are in general use today in the treatment of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis: namely, total laminectomy alone, total laminectomy and posterior fusion, and anterior interbody fusion. According to Hoover(1968), above operations have yielded satisfactory results in approximately 70% of the cases.
In recent years, Watkins, Adkins and Rombold have independently reported their experience with posterolateral intertransverse fusion, which they claim is based on a more sound mechanical basis and has yielded better results.
The author performed anterior interbody fusion in 4 cases and posterolateral intertransverse fusion in 3 cases at Seoul Naval Hospital during the 2 year period from May 1968 through May 1970.
The postoperative follow-up period was maximum one year and minimum six months.
Only one case of anterior interbody fusion has shown sound fusion, while all the three posterolateral intertransverse fusions with posterior H-graft have yielded sound fusion with satisfactory clinical improvement by six months after operation.
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