Illustration of spinal fusion providing stability.

Suffering from Spondylolisthesis? Discover How Spinal Fusion Can Help!

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Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Exploring the Benefits of Spinal Fusion with Interbody Devices (CAGE) for Spondylolisthesis."


Spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips over the one below it, can cause significant back and leg pain, impacting daily life. While various treatments exist, lumbar spinal fusion has emerged as a common surgical approach, often involving the use of interbody fusion devices (cages) to stabilize the spine. These cages aim to promote fusion (the joining of two vertebrae into one solid bone) and enhance the construct's overall stability.

For individuals experiencing persistent pain and instability despite conservative treatments, spinal fusion might offer a solution. This procedure aims to alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent further slippage of the vertebrae. The decision to undergo spinal fusion, however, should be made in consultation with a qualified spine surgeon after careful consideration of individual circumstances and potential risks and benefits.

This article will delve into the specifics of anterior spinal fusion with or without interbody fusion devices (CAGE) for spondylolisthesis. It is based on a research study that assessed the functional and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure. It will provide a clear understanding of what the surgery entails, what to expect during recovery, and the potential benefits it can offer.

Is Spinal Fusion with Interbody Cage Right for You? Understanding the Research

Illustration of spinal fusion providing stability.

A prospective nonrandomized study examined adults aged 28 to 68 years with LSS who underwent spinal fusion with or without an interbody cage. The study, conducted between 2010 and 2012, meticulously tracked patient progress through clinical follow-ups at 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months. These follow-ups included assessments of pain levels using the visual analog scale (VAS), fusion progress via radiographs (AP, lateral, and flexion-extension views), and overall functional outcome measured by the Oswestry disability index (ODI), SF-36, and a modified Benzel Japanese Orthopaedic Association score.

The study followed a total of 20 patients with LSS, assessing their progress and outcomes over a period of time. Here's what the research revealed about the outcomes of spinal fusion:

  • Faster Union: Earliest union was observed at 6 months follow-up in 30% of the bone graft (BG) group and 50% of the cage group (CG).
  • Improved Radiological Union: At the end of 1 year, 90% of the BG group and 100% of the CG group showed radiological union.
  • Fusion Rate: Average fusion rates were 10 and 8.5 months in the BG and CG groups, respectively.
  • Radicular Improvements: Radicular improvements were noted in 70% and 90% of the BG and CG groups, respectively.
  • Better Functional Outcome: Functional outcome was significantly better at 3, 6 months, and 1 year in both groups (p<0.001).
  • Fewer Complications: Complications were observed in 60 and 20% of cases in the BG and CG groups, respectively.
  • Patient Satisfaction: Patient satisfaction was 80% and 90% in the BG and CG groups, respectively.
The study concluded that the addition of an interbody fusion device (cage) helps in greater stability, lowers implant failure rates, promotes higher fusion rates, and leads to better functional outcomes in surgically treated patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, it's important to note that while there was a trend toward improvement with the cage, the significant difference seen between two groups (p <0.3, 0.5, and 0.26).

Making an Informed Decision About Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion with an interbody cage can be an effective treatment option for spondylolisthesis, offering potential benefits like increased stability, reduced pain, and improved function. The decision to undergo surgery should be made after thorough discussion with your healthcare provider, carefully weighing the potential benefits and risks.

Remember that while the study suggests advantages to using interbody cages, individual results can vary. A comprehensive evaluation, including imaging and neurological assessment, is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.

If you are considering spinal fusion, ask your surgeon about their experience with interbody fusion devices, the specific type of cage they recommend, and what to expect during the recovery process. Actively participate in the decision-making process to ensure the best possible outcome for your spinal health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1055/s-0035-1554311, Alternate LINK

Title: Results Of Anterior Spinal Fusion In Spondylolisthesis With Or Without Interbody Fusion Device (Cage)

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Global Spine Journal

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Manoj Kumar, Prashanth Dhanraj, Deepak Shivanna

Published: 2015-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is spondylolisthesis, and how does lumbar spinal fusion, especially with interbody fusion devices, help?

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips over the vertebra below it. Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat this condition. It involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain. Interbody fusion devices, sometimes called 'cages,' are often used during the fusion process to help promote bone growth and provide additional support.

2

Can you explain the procedure for anterior lumbar spinal fusion with an interbody cage for treating spondylolisthesis?

Anterior lumbar spinal fusion with an interbody cage is a surgical procedure performed from the front of the body to address spondylolisthesis. The surgeon accesses the spine through an incision in the abdomen, removes the disc between the affected vertebrae, and inserts an interbody fusion device (cage) into the space. Bone graft material is then packed around the cage to promote fusion, where the vertebrae grow together into a single, solid bone. The goal is to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and improve function.

3

What did the research study reveal about the effectiveness of spinal fusion with an interbody cage compared to spinal fusion without a cage?

The research study compared patients undergoing spinal fusion with and without the use of an interbody fusion device (cage). The study revealed that patients who had spinal fusion with an interbody cage showed faster union, improved radiological union, better functional outcomes, fewer complications, and higher patient satisfaction compared to the bone graft group. Specifically, the interbody cage group demonstrated radicular improvements, and the study showed a trend toward significant improvements and benefits with the cage, despite the variations observed.

4

What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal fusion using an interbody cage for spondylolisthesis?

While spinal fusion with an interbody cage aims to provide long-term stability and pain relief, potential risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, and failure of the fusion to heal (non-union). There's also the possibility of adjacent segment degeneration, where the vertebrae above or below the fused segment may experience increased stress, leading to future problems. Discuss these potential risks and benefits thoroughly with your surgeon to make an informed decision.

5

What are the Oswestry Disability Index, SF-36, and modified Benzel Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and how are they relevant in assessing the outcome of spinal fusion?

The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a questionnaire used to measure the extent to which back pain affects a person's ability to manage in everyday life. The SF-36 is a survey that assesses overall health-related quality of life, covering physical and mental health components. The modified Benzel Japanese Orthopaedic Association score is another measure used to assess functional outcomes after spine surgery. Improvements in these scores after spinal fusion indicate a positive impact on a patient's daily activities, health, and overall well-being, suggesting a successful surgical outcome.

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