Clinical Outcomes of Patients over 75 Years of Age with Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Following Bilateral Decompression via Unilateral Approach.

Aim: To investigate the clinical outcomes of bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (BDUA) on degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis in patients over 75 years of age.

Material And Methods: Elderly patients (n=41; average age=79.3±2.5 years) who underwent BDUA under spinal anaesthesia between April 2011 and May 2014 were enrolled. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) values of the patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the last visit postoperatively (Mean follow-up period=27 month). All parameters were analysed using Student paired-sample t test with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: All 41 patients experienced significant postoperative improvement in VAS leg (p < 0.01) and back pain (p < 0.05) scores. Average ODIs were 52±4.1% preoperatively and 39±3.5% postoperatively. All changes were statistically significant.

Conclusion: BDUA is a safe and very effective treatment in elderly patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. This procedure has a very low complication rate and can be performed successfully under spinal anaesthesia.