Abstract:
INTRODUCTION.
Relevance of the issue under research.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DSPL) is one of the most common degenerative lesions of
the lumbar spine, affecting up to 14% of the population. Although there is no consensus on the
optimal surgical treatment, currently the standard technique of treating patients with DSPL
includes decompression of nervous structures and stabilization of the spine via one of the
traditional methods of intersomatic arthrodesis (PLIF, TLIF, PLF). While being very effective in
achieving intervertebral fusion, the traditional technique is associated with important drawbacks,
such as the significant muscle dissection required for the insertion of pedicle screws. The
traditional technique is also associated with increased surgical morbidity due to iatrogenic
muscle and soft tissue injury. Long skin incisions, injury of medial branch of the spinal dorsal
ramus and prolonged soft tissue retraction can cause denervation and ischemic necrosis of
paravertebral muscles. Loss of functional muscle support may subsequently lead to segmental
instability, increased biomechanical stress and persistence of low back pain. [...]
