RESIDUAL GAIT ABNORMALITIES IN SURGICALLY TREATED SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

The authors retrospectively studied seven patients who bad in situ fus ion as adolescents for high-grade (IV, V) spondylolisthesis unresponsi ve to more conservative means. All patients achieved solid bony union; their pain was relieved; and hamstring spasm had resolved. The author s sought to determine whether crouch gait or any other abnormalities c ould be demonstrated in patients exhibiting clinical parameters of suc cess. Each patient underwent gait analysis, radiographic analysis, and a physical examination. Four of seven patients demonstrated slight de grees of forward trunk lean during varying phases of gait accompanied by increased hip flexion. One patient demonstrated increased trunk ext ension accompanied by limited hip flexion. Two patients were essential ly normal. The authors were unable to quantify residual crouch in thes e patients with solidly fused high-grade spondylolisthesis.