Proximal sacral deformity: a common element in lytic isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5 and in degenerative spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 segment. Two apparently very different etiopathogenic entities.

A radiographic study was carried out to investigate the relationship between proximal sacral sagittal anatomy (either kyphosis or lordosis) and either isthmic or degenerative spondylolisthesis. In addition, we studied whether there is a relationship between proximal sacral kyphosis and the degree of such listhesis in the case of L5 isthmic spondylolisthesis. Lateral standing x-rays were used from 173 patients, ninety of whom had degenerative spondylolisthesis L4-L5, and eighty-three an isthmic spondylolisthesis of L5 (67 low-grade and 16 high-grade) and compared with a control group of 100 patients adjusted by age and gender, without any type of spondylolisthesis.

Prognostic value of an immediate lateral standing X-ray with a TLSO in patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Unlabelled: The final collapse of a "stable" thoracolumbar burst fracture is difficult to predict. This collapse was prospectively studied radiologically in patients with T12 or L1 burst fractures who, after evaluating the admission x-rays and the CT scan with the patients themselves, opted for a rigid thoracolumbar brace with support in the sternal manubrium (TLSO). On the other hand, patients with rigid braces sometimes have low back pain on follow-up (due to overload of the L5-S1 joints).

[Inveterate subaxial cervical dislocations: a discussion on the best therapeutic strategy].

It is difficult to decide the appropriate treatment for inveterate cervical dislocations because of the difficulty of their reduction, as well as due to the risk of inducing iatrogenic injuries during this reduction. The literature on the most appropriate surgical strategy for their management is also limited as well as controversial. We report one clinical case treated in the Spine Unit of the Orthopedic Surgery and Trauma Service of the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, discussing the currently most used treatment options, the anterior-posterior-anterior and the posterior-anterior-posterior approach.