Anterior pseudoarthrectomy for symptomatic Bertolotti's syndrome.
Painful L5/S1 pseudoarthrosis has been previously managed with posterior excision and/or lumbar fusion. To our knowledge, the anterior approach for L5/S1 pseudoarthrectomy in the treatment of Bertolotti's syndrome has not been described. We present two patients with severe symptomatic L5/S1 pseudoarthroses that were successfully excised via an anterior retroperitoneal approach with 2 year clinical and radiological follow-up. The literature regarding surgical treatments for Bertolotti's syndrome is reviewed. The technique for an anterior retroperitoneal approach is described. This approach has been safe and effective in providing long term symptomatic relief to our two patients. Further studies comparing the outcomes of anterior versus posterior pseudoarthrectomy will guide the management of this condition.
['Malham|Gregory M|GM|', 'Limb|Rebecca J|RJ|', 'Claydon|Matthew H|MH|', 'Brazenor|Graeme A|GA|']
D000328:Adult D005260:Female D006801:Humans D017116:Low Back Pain D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D013122:Spinal Diseases D013123:Spinal Fusion D016896:Treatment Outcome
Anterior Bertolotti’s syndrome Low back pain Lumbosacral Surgery