Two–level reverse Bohlman transsoseous approach for treatment of symptomatic pseudarthrosis

Surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis with high sacral slope remains controversial and no definitive gold standard procedure has been identified. The Bohlman technique, in which a fibular strut is reamed posteriorly across the L5–S1 disc space in an oblique, inferior to superior trajectory, has been increasingly utilized. Recently, a Reverse Bohlman technique has been described, in which a graft is reamed anteriorly across a single disc space in a superior to inferior trajectory. Case Report A 55 year-old male with complete lumbarization of S1 (referred to as L6) and previous L5–L6–S1 posterior instrumented fusion presented, with progressively worsening low back pain and lower extremity radicular pain. After failing conservative management, he underwent a 2-level Reverse Bohlman approach to place a titanium mesh interbody graft (cage) anteriorly from L5 to S1, crossing the L5–6 and L6–S1 disc spaces. Here we describe for the first time a Reverse Bohlman technique spanning two disc spaces in a patient with a transitional lumbosacral anomaly and high sacral slope. At 6 months post-operative follow up, the patient reported near complete resolution of symptoms.