Although fusion is considered the “gold standard ” for treatment of spondylolisthesis, we have over 10 years experience following our favorable experience with transforaminal endoscopic decompression for mild, but stable spondylolisthesis in patients who refused recommended fusion.
Favorable results with endoscopic results for foraminal stenosis since 1997 allowed us to evolve our indications to include carefully selected patients with spondylolisthesis who refused recommended fusion and elected to undergo endoscopic foraminal decompression as a “staged procedure” since 2005.
These patients had very good results with transforaminal diagnostic and therapeutic injections. Even after over 5 years follow-up, only 25% needed more surgery for additional surgical stabilization. The procedure is much more cost effective with a total cost of $10,000 to $15,000 in experienced, advanced endoscopic surgeon’s hands.
