Predictive. Factors for the Outcome of Fusion in Adult Isthmic Spondylolisthesis.

The article presents a study which investigates the predictive factors for the outcome of patients with adult isthmic spondylolisthesis who were operated on with posterolateral lumbar fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Questionnaires on clinical history and a pain drawing are administered to the patients. The multivariate regression analysis reveals that work status is a significant determinant of outcome. It concludes that patients who work before surgery have more favorable outcome.