Traumatic lumbosacral instability (TLSI) refers to a traumatic disruption of the axial skeleton at the level of the lumbosacral motion segment and/or sacrum, resulting in mechanical separation of the caudal spinal column from the posterior pelvic ring. Managing TLSI and its four underlying conditions poses unique challenges among spinal and pelvic injuries. This second part of a two-part series focuses on treatment strategies and decision making in TLSI, with an emphasis on surgical stabilization techniques. The primary objectives of this article are to: (1) elucidate factors influencing clinical decision-making, (2) synthesize current treatment options for the injury patterns underlying TLSI, and (3) briefly outline expected outcomes and complications.

Thoracolumbar traumatic spondylolisthesis is a relatively rare phenomenon and has poor prognosis due to serious spinal cord or cauda equina injuries. In such cases, closed reduction is a method for restoring the vertebral sequence and may play an important role in the treatment process, although whether it is actually feasible for patients with this condition requires further investigation. The present study included 9 patients with serious thoracolumbar traumatic spondylolisthesis to determine the advantages of closed reduction over total reduction through open surgery.

Data from 9 patients (cases 1-9), diagnosed with severe thoracolumbar traumatic spondylolisthesis between June 2012 and August 2023, were retrospectively reviewed. Five patients were treated with closed reduction in an emergency department and subsequently underwent delayed internal fixation surgery at least 48 hours after the injury, and 4 with similar serious injuries underwent emergency surgery. The incidence of complications and recovery of the spinal cord or cauda equina were compared between groups.

There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics or adverse events between the 2 groups. The reduction group had a shorter surgical duration and less blood loss than the surgery group. Although patients in the surgery group may have experienced more pain, there were no significant differences between the groups in Oswestry Disability Index or Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores. Thus, regardless of whether closed reduction was chosen, patients experienced a similar quality of life for a relatively prolonged period.

Closed reduction may be feasible for serious thoracolumbar traumatic spondylolisthesis, although the safety of this method requires further research.

Traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis is a very rare spinal disease caused by high-energy trauma. We report a case of traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis with locked L5 inferior articular process.

A 33-year-old man presented with multisite pain for 6 h following waist trauma and was admitted to the hospital. He suffered multiple injuries from severe impact on the waist after driving an out of control forklift truck. Preoperative imaging examinations revealed that the patient was diagnosed with traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis and the L5 inferior articular process was locked into the anterior margin of the S1 vertebra. A posterior instrumentation, decompression of the cauda equina, and interbody fusion procedure was performed. The patient received hyperbaric oxygen and rehabilitation treatment 10 days after the surgery. At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, the muscle strength of the lower limbs was improved, the patient had no numbness of both lower limbs, and the urinary retention symptom was significantly improved. The American Spinal Injury Association grade improved from grade C preoperatively to grade D postoperatively. As far as we know, there have been no relevant reports on traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis with locked L5 inferior articular process yet.

We believe that the hyperflexion and shear forces were the potential causes of this injury. In addition, the preoperative imaging examinations should be evaluated carefully. If the inferior articular process of L5 were locked, we suggest removing the bilateral inferior articular processes first and then perform reduction.

To explore the clinical characteristics and the short-term efficacy of posterior operation for traumatic lumbar spondylolisthesis.

All 28 patients (between January 2013 and June 2018) were treated with lumbar pedicle screw fixation combined with posterior intervertebral fusion. The clinical data and imaging materials of these patients were retrospectively analyzed.

The mean follow-up period was 24.3 months (12-36 months). The average VAS score and JOA score were significantly improved after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).The last follow-up X-ray showed that 16 cases were degree 0 and 12 cases were degree I according to Meyerding grading, which were statistically improved compared with preoperative. Postoperative CT indicated lumbar internal fixation well, and the lumbar fusion rate was 100%. The Frankel grading of neurological function was significantly improved compared with preoperative.

Acute traumatic lumbar spondylolisthesis is caused by severe trauma and mostly occurred at L4/L5 and L5/S1 level. Early posterior reduction, decompression and intervertebral fusion can achieve satisfactory clinical and radiological outcome.

Systematic review and case series.

Any acute injury to the posterior elements of the lumbar spine resulting in listhesis is considered a traumatic spondylolisthesis. This rare injury caused by high-energy trauma is variably described in the literature as fracture-dislocation, where only case reports and series have been published. Our objectives were to propose evidence-based treatment recommendations and a new classification system for this injury.

A systematic review of literature from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane without time frame limitations was performed, which included 77 level IV and V articles and 9 patients as case series in the analysis.

A total of 125 cases were reviewed with mean age of 30.5 years. Half of the cases resulted from a vehicular accident. Back pain presented in 82%, while 50% had neurologic deficits. Operative treatment was performed in 93.6% (posterior decompression [PD] = 4%; posterior spinal fusion [PSF] = 43.2%; interbody fusion [IB] = 46.4%) with overall fusion rates of 74%. Binomial regression analysis for achieving solid fusion showed a 28.6× higher odds for IB compared to PSF (P = .008, r ² = 0.633). Subanalysis of cases with disc injuries revealed higher fusion outcomes for IB (87%) compared to PSF (46%; P = .006), while there were no significant differences for patients without disc injury. Pain and neurological symptoms improved significantly on final follow-up (P < .001). Overall complication rate was 22%.

Operative management with reduction, decompression for neurologic deficits, instrumentation, and fusion is recommended for traumatic spondylolisthesis. Interbody fusion is recommended to achieve better fusion outcomes especially with preoperatively identified disc lesions.

Traumatic lumbosacral dislocation is a rare, high-energy mechanism injury characterized by displacement of the fifth lumbar vertebra in relation to the sacrum. Due to the violent trauma typically associated with this lesion, there are often severe, coexisting injuries. High-quality radiographic studies, in addition to appropriate utilization of CT scan and MRI, are essential for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Although reports in the literature include nonoperative and operative management, most authors advocate for surgical treatment with open reduction and decompression with instrumentation and fusion. Despite advances in early diagnosis and management, this injury type is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and long-term patient outcomes remain unclear.

Traumatic bilateral facet dislocation in the lumbar (L) spine has rarely been reported. All reported cases were presented with acute facet dislocation. However, we present the first case of delayed bilateral facet dislocation at L4-5.

A 34-year-old woman presented with back pain after a head-on collision. The patient was treated conservatively for 3 months with rigid orthosis and activity restriction. Even after this conservative treatment, she continued to suffer from persistent back pain that radiated down her left leg and a progressively kyphotic posture.

Initial imaging studies revealed a fracture of the left L5 superior articular process with a posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury. Subsequent radiographs showed the locked facet dislocation with kyphotic changes.

The patient underwent surgical reduction and fusion, and the operative findings revealed the L4-5 bilateral facet dislocation and rupture of the PLC at the index level.

After surgical reduction and fusion at L4-5 by posterior interbody fusion, we achieved a satisfactory clinical outcome.

Injury of the PLC in the lower lumbar region deserves careful attention for the development of sequelae. The anatomic transition from lordosis to kyphosis, in the lumbosacral region may be related to this type of injury.

Traumatic bilateral locked facet joints occur with extreme rarity in the lumbar spine. A careful review of the literature revealed only three case reports.

We present the case of a 36 year-old male who suffered bilateral L4-5 facet fracture dislocations following a motor vehicle collision. The dislocation was associated with disruption of the posterior elements and a Grade II anterolisthesis of L4 on L5 as well as an epidural hematoma resulting in severe canal narrowing, with the patient remaining neurologically intact on presentation. The patient underwent open reduction with L3 to S1 pedicle screw fixation and arthrodesis to treat this highly unstable injury.

The existing literature and a biomechanics review of the lumbar spine are described in the context of the presented case in addition to a proposed mechanism for such dislocations.

Study Design Retrospective chart review and review of literature. Objective Few case reports of traumatic L5-S1 displacement have been presented in the literature. Here we present two cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis showing both anterior and posterior displacement, the treatment algorithm, and a review of the literature. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of representative patients and a literature review of traumatic spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 junction. Two representative patients were identified with traumatic spondylolisthesis: one with an anterior dissociation, and the other with a posterior dissociation. Results Radiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging illustrated the bony and soft tissue injury found in each patient, as well as the final stabilization and outcomes. Operative stabilization was necessary, and both patients were treated with open reduction internal fixation. The patient with posterior dissociation had complete recovery without neurologic sequelae. The patient with anterior dissociation had persistent bilateral L5-S1 radiculopathy with intact rectal tone, due to neurologic compression. Conclusions Few cases of traumatic spondylopelvic dissociation that are isolated to the L5-S1 disk space are described in the literature. We examined both an anterior and a posterior dissociation and treated both with L5-S1 posterior spinal fusion. The patient with anterior dissociation had persistent L5-S1 root injury; however, the patient with posterior dissociation had no neurologic deficits. This is the opposite of what is expected based on anatomy. These cases offer insight into the management of anterior and posterior L5-S1 spondylopelvic dissociation.

Traumatic lumbar spondylolisthesis is a rare lesion and frequently noted in patients with multiple traumatic injuries. We report one case of L5 traumatic spondylolisthesis, which obtained successful decompression, reduction, interbody fusion and fixation by posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and got satisfactory outcome. We recommend early decompression, reduction, interbody fusion and fixation with posterior instrumentation to obtain the recovery of neurological function and stability of the spine.

Traumatic spondylolisthesis is a rare injury resulting from complex trauma and high-energy mechanisms. We present a case report of traumatic spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 disc space of a patient who was buried after a wall fell on his back. In the physical examination, bilaterally decreased muscle strength was observed. Examination images indicated a 90% slip at L5-S1. Surgical treatment was provided with a posterior and anterior approach using pedicle fixation and an anterior cage. After 4 months, there was significant recovery of muscle strength in the lower limbs.

Lumbosacral fracture-dislocation is a rare occurrence. There are more than 73 cases reported in the English literature. We report on the imaging findings and surgical treatment in a patient suffered of unilateral traumatic L5-S1 dislocation associated with severe disruption of the posterior ligamentous complex. The patient underwent open reduction and stabilization of L4-S1 vertebrae with posterior instrumentation system. Open reduction and internal fixation was mandatory as post-traumatic ligamentous insufficiency would lead to abnormal motion. Operative treatment managed to produce a solid arthrodesis and restore stability of the lumbosacral junction. Follow-up revealed excellent results. This study reports a rare injury of the lumbosacral junction, and the literature concerning this unusual condition is extensively reviewed.

A case report.

To describe a case of traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis and present a literature review.

Traumatic spondyloptosis is a very rare injury caused by high-energy trauma. Eight cases of traumatic spondyloptosis of L5-S1 have been reported, including only 1 case treated 8.5 months after injury occurrence.

A 45-year-old Myanmar male experienced severe lower back pain and paresis of the lower extremities after a landslide disaster. Plain radiographs showed spondyloptosis, with the 5th lumbar vertebra located anterior to the 1st sacral vertebra. Computed tomography myelography demonstrated complete bilateral pars interarticularis fracture dislocation at L5-S1 and a complete block between L5 and S1 with apparent spondyloptosis. Neurological function of this patient improved after conservative treatment for 5 months; however, his severe lower back pain persisted. Thus, surgery for in situ posterior decompression and fusion of L3-S1 was performed.

Lower back pain of the patient had nearly disappeared 2 weeks after surgery, and he was able to walk for more than 1 hour without assistance 2 years after surgery.

We performed posterior decompression and in situ fusion of L3-S1 for the patients with traumatic lumbosacral spondyloptosis treated 5 months after injury, and the surgery produced a favorable clinical outcome.

Osteoarthritis of the spine develops as a consequence of the natural aging process and is associated with significant morbidity and health care expenditures. Effective diagnosis and treatment of the resultant pathologic conditions can be clinically challenging. Recent evidence has emerged to aid the investigating clinician in formulating an accurate diagnosis and in implementing a successful treatment algorithm. This article details the degenerative cascade that results in the osteoarthritic spine, reviews prevalence data for common painful spinal disorders, and discusses evidence-based treatment options for management of zygapophysial and sacroiliac joint arthrosis.

Case report.

The diagnosis and surgical management of a patient with a traumatic bilateral dislocation of the lumbosacral junction (L5-S1) without facet or pars interarticularis fracture is presented with a thorough review of the existing literature.

Lumbar fracture-dislocations have been widely reported. However, only five cases of lumbosacral junction dislocation without a fracture have been previously reported.

A 23-year-old patient was involved in a high-energy occupational injury and presented with complaints of back pain and inability to ambulate. Neurological assessment confirmed adequate motor strength (4+/5 bilaterally), normal perianal and lower extremity sensation, and urinary retention (postvoid residual: 1000 mL). Imaging studies revealed bilateral L5-S1 facet dislocation (bilateral jumped facets) without articulating processes or pars interarticularis fractures. Three-column ligamentous injury was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging with complete tear of the ligamentum flavum, anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, and avulsion of the L5 spinous process. The patient underwent bilateral facetectomies, diskectomy, laminectomies, and reduction of slippage with interbody and posterolateral transpedicular instrumented fusion.

At 1-year follow-up, the patient reported mild back pain well controlled with naproxen. He continued to report good improvement in his daily function.

A careful clinical examination and imaging assessment must be done for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of this rare type of injury. Reduction in the face of intact articulating processes and pars interarticularis is challenging because of acting heavy forces on the lumbosacral joint. Facetectomies, nerve root decompression, and circumferential instrumented fusion are ways to decompress the neural elements, restore alignment, and maintain segmental stability.

Traumatic unilateral facet dislocation of the lumbosacral junction without fracture or with non-displaced fractures of adjacent vertebrae is extremely rare. We describe a case of a young male who sustained a unilateral facet dislocation of the lumbosacral junction in a motor vehicle accident. The unusual features of this case include an unremarkable physical and neurological examination on presentation and absence of other substantial vertebral or extra-vertebral injuries.

Lumbosacral fracture dislocation is a very rare lesion and was first described by Watson-Jones in 1940. Two anatomical classifications are described in the literature, all other reports are case presentations. This fracture type is characterised by an antero- or retrolisthesis or a lateral translation of the 5th lumbar vertebra in relation to the sacrum. Biomechanics are discussed controversially. Most patients suffer from a high energy trauma with concomitant severe injuries. There is a high rate of additional neurological deficits. Fractures of the transverse process are thought to be sentinel fractures. MRI and CT scans are essential to detect the whole extent of the lesion. Circumferential fusion is recommended by several authors to regain stability at the lumbosacral junction.

The purpose of this case is to describe noncontiguous fracture and dislocations of the thoracolumbosacral spine in a 23-year-old female driver with a 3-point seat belt restraint.

A 23-year-old woman presented to us after a motor vehicle accident while driving with a 3-point seat belt restraint. She was neurologically intact except for loss of motor function in the distribution of the L5 nerve root in the right lower limb. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed fracture and dislocation of T3 with considerable retrolisthesis and complete anterolisthesis of L5 over the sacrum.

Both fractures were reduced and fixed with bone graft and instrumentation. She was discharged a month later without any further neurologic deterioration.

To our knowledge, this case is the first report in the literature of a seat belt safety restraint causing 2 noncontiguous fracture dislocations of the spine. Although the consensus is that seat belts can prevent most spine injuries, this case shows that the seat belt can be a contributor to spine injury. It shows that the shoulder-lap restraint can act as 2 fulcrums at the upper and lower bands causing 2 separate fracture dislocations. A thorough radiologic evaluation of the spine with respect to the clinical findings is mandatory in seat belt-restrained road traffic accidents cases.

Acute traumatic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 level is a rare condition, almost exclusively the result of major trauma, frequently associated with transverse process fractures and severe neurologic deficits. Recently, open reduction and internal fixation with posterior stabilization has been the method of treatment most frequently reported. We report a rare case of traumatic L5-S1 pondylolisthesis with a unilateral facet locking with a review of literatures.

A unique case of lumbosacral lateral dislocation without fracture is reported.

To report on the diagnosis and treatment of a traumatic L5-S1 lateral dislocation in a polytrauma 34-year-old male with L5 nerve root paralysis.

Interbody fusion following decompression, posterior reduction and interbody grafting combined with posterior plating was performed.

At an early stage the patient was able to return to work and walk without supports. At the 12-month follow-up evaluation no back pain was referred and fusion was achieved.

Lateral pure dislocation of the lumbosacral joint is very rare and can be easily misdiagnosed. A careful evaluation of the AP standard X-ray can lead to diagnosis and can be confirmed by CT scan. Prompt reduction and fusion is the treatment of choice to allow a quick functional recovery.

Lumbosacral dislocation is uncommon. We report a case of traumatic lumbosacral dislocation which occurred in a 33-year-old pedestrian traffic accident victim. The posterior impact produced lumbar injury with diffuse pain exacerbated at the lumbosacral junction. Ecchymotic diffusion involving the entire lumbar region fluctuated due to the presence of a subcutaneous hematoma. The neurological examination revealed incomplete L5 paraplegia. Standard x-rays revealed L5-S1 spondylolisthesis and fracture of the L5 spinous process as well as fractures of the L3, L4, and L5 transverse processes. Computed tomography disclosed biarticular L5-S1 fracture dislocation and a voluminous herniation of the L5-S1 disc. Emergency surgery was performed and revealed subaponeurotic detachment from T4 to S1 and bald iliac pyramids. After L5 laminectomy and extraction of the voluminous herniation of the L5-S1 disc, a short L5-S1 posteriolateral fusion was achieved using pedicular screws and two rods on either side as well as a posterolateral iliac autograft. The clinical course was satisfactory with nearly complete neurological recovery (persistent levator ani paresis). This clinical case and a review of the literature illustrate the pathogenic, clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects of lumbosacral fracture dislocation.

Traumatic lumbosacral dislocation is a rare lesion often characterised by a fracture dislocation of L5-S1 articular facets associated with anterior L5 slipping. Because of its rarity, the surgical strategy of lumbosacral traumatic dislocation remains controversial. We report the most important series of traumatic lumbosacral dislocation. The cases of six men and five women are presented. We discuss the diagnosis and surgical treatment options regarding the different type of lesions. A moderate anterior slipping of L5 over S1 was present in eight cases. The lesion was a bilateral lumbosacral fracture dislocation in eight cases, a pure lateral dislocation in two cases and a unilateral rotatory dislocation in one case. Patients were multiple-trauma patients in eight cases. A radicular deficit was present in two cases. All patients were treated surgically with a posterior osteosynthesis and fusion. A circumferential fusion was made in six cases. In four cases, the anterior fusion was made during the posterior approach. The postoperative course was favorable in all the cases. One patient necessitated secondarily an iterative posterior lumbosacral fixation and anterior fibular bone graft because of a lumbosacral pseudarthrosis. Traumatic dislocation of the lumbosacral junction is a rare and severe spinal fracture which occurs in patients after high energy trauma and could be initially misdiagnosed. We devised a new classification based on anatomical lesions. Treatment is always surgical, requiring reduction, osteosynthesis, and fusion. In case of L5 anterior slipping, it is crucial to assess the L5S1 disc by MRI or surgical exploration for disc disruption. In such case, we recommend to perform circumferential fusion to prevent lumbosacral pseudarthrodesis.

Case report of a patient treated surgically 2 months after sustaining a misdiagnosed acute traumatic lumbosacral dislocation is presented.

The aims is to report in full about an uncommon case of anterior traumatic L5-S1 spondylolisthesis treated successfully with combined posterior stabilization and anterior fusion.

Review of literature shows that traumatic lumbosacral dislocations and its treatment by open reduction and internal fixation are rare with only few well-documented case reports.

We report the case of a 37-year-old man, who sustained a work-related traumatic lumbosacral dislocation. The delayed diagnosis of traumatic L5-S1 spondylolisthesis was initially missed and first treated, when the patient was transferred to the author's institution because of persistent neurological deficits. In the following the patient was successfully reduced and stabilized with posterior internal fixation and anterior interbody fusion. This case is documented in detail with radiographs, CT and MRI scans, as well as clinical pictures.

At a 1.5-year follow-up complete fusion was achieved. The patient returned to work on the same job before injury, ambulating pain-free with a good subjective back-function and no limitations carrying out his recreational activities. At follow-up he had persistent sensible S1 nerve root deficits (ASIA grade E).

Traumatic lumbosacral spondylolisthesis is a rare injury pattern. Its diagnosis can be missed initially, therefore computed tomography with biplanar reconstructions is mandatory in addition to good-quality conventional radiographs to plan and carry out such challenging management problems successfully. Surgical treatment for reduction, stabilization and interbody fusion is the method of choice.

Of many reports referring to injury mechanism in anterior lumbosacral dislocation, there were none concerning hyperextension mechanism. We report a case of a 46-year-old man with preexisting L5 spondylolysis sustaining traumatic complete anterior lumbosacral dislocation. The operative findings, together with the radiologic findings, strongly suggested that the dislocation occurred by hyperextension mechanism. Open reduction was done by applying force of distraction with flexion using a rod and screw system, followed by the internal fixation from the L3 to S1 vertebrae and the postero-superior iliac spine. The lumbosacral dislocation was reduced to 77%. At the follow-up at 5 years after surgery, bony union was obtained and the patient could move with a wheelchair although the neurologic deficit in lower extremities observed preoperatively did not recover. Preexisting L5 spondylolysis was considered to increase the potential for anterior lumbosacral dislocation by additional force of compression with hyperextension. Posterior instrumentation using a rod and screw system was considered a useful method for reduction, decompression, stabilization, and fusion.

A case of lumbar facet joint infection associated with epidural and paraspinal abscess is presented. A 57-year-old man was hospitalized with severe low back pain that radiated into the bilateral buttocks and legs. The patient had a temperature of 37.3 degrees C, and the biochemical inflammatory parameters were elevated. Initially on admission, we administered antibiotics intravenously. However, pain increased, fever elevated gradually, and bladder-bowel disturbance appeared. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed effusion in the widened facet joint, paraspinal muscles, and epidural space, which compressed the theca severely. We performed an immediate surgical debridement combined with thorough antibiotic therapy and achieved excellent results. MRI was useful for precise diagnosis and operative planning.

Acute traumatic L5-S1 spondylolisthesis is a rare condition, almost exclusively the result of major trauma, frequently associated with L5 transverse process fracture and neurologic deficit. In recent years, open reduction and internal fixation with posterior stabilization has been the method of treatment most frequently reported. In the current case, the lesion was found in a victim of an automobile accident. Signs of a right L5 root deficit but no sphincter dysfunction were present. A computed tomography scan revealed several fractures in the posterior parts of L5 and anterior displacement of L5 on S1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan verified that the lesion was indeed acute by showing the ruptured L5 disc and posterior ligaments, thereby demonstrating the importance of MRI in the planning of the treatment of these lesions. This case was successfully treated with an acute circumferential instrumented L4-S1 spondylodesis.