None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to investigate whether an underlying subacute infection at the pars defect is a possible cause of pain in patients requiring lumbar spinal fusion surgery. The study will perform microbiological analysis of the bone, ligamentous, muscle and disc tissue at/adjacent to the pars defect, taken from normally discarded material intraoperatively. The presence of infection will be determined by positive bacterial culture from these sites and results analysed for statistical significance. Detection of bacteria would support an infectious rationale, as a source of back pain, in this population. This research endeavors to clarify the source of back pain in isthmic spondylolithesis patients the search for suitable, reliable and reproducible conservative treatments.
Interventions
Prospective investigation of patients from the Princess Alexandra Hospital Orthopaedic outpatients, undergoing conventional surgical management (lumbar fusion surgery) for chronic low back pain associated with isthmic spondylolithesis and corresponding pars defect. Samples of bilateral pars defects, ligamentum flavum, intervertebral disc, and para-spinal muscle tissue will be collected; tissue normally discarded during your lumbar fusion surgery. These samples will then be sent for microbiologic
Prospective investigation of patients from the Princess Alexandra Hospital Orthopaedic outpatients, undergoing conventional surgical management (lumbar fusion surgery) for chronic low back pain associated with isthmic spondylolithesis and corresponding pars defect. Samples of bilateral pars defects, ligamentum flavum, intervertebral disc, and para-spinal muscle tissue will be collected; tissue normally discarded during your lumbar fusion surgery. These samples will then be sent for microbiological analysis. Approximately 50 patients will be recruited over 2 years.
Sponsors
The Princess Alexandra Hospital Orthopaedic Department - Dr Kathleen Capehart & Dr Dihan Aponso (Principal Investigators)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Patient age > 18 years Radiologically confirmed isthmic spondylolisthesis Planed for lumbar spinal fusion surgery Patients of specific staff specialists, seen at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Orthopaedic Outpatient Department Spine Clinics.
Exclusion criteria
Age < 18 years Previous lumbar spinal surgery
Outcome results
None listed