Surgical Stabilization of the Spine: A Clinical Review of Spinal Fractures, Spondylolisthesis, and Instrumentation Methods.

The spine is a complex structure critical for stability, force transmission, and neural protection, with spinal fractures and spondylolisthesis posing significant challenges to its integrity and function. Spinal fractures arise from trauma, degenerative conditions, or osteoporosis, often affecting transitional zones like the thoracolumbar junction. Spondylolisthesis results from structural defects or degenerative changes, leading to vertebral displacement and potential neurological symptoms. Diagnostic and classification systems, such as AO Spine and TLICS, aid in evaluating instability and guiding treatment strategies. Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, pedicle screws, interbody cages, and robotic-assisted systems, have improved precision and recovery while reducing morbidity. Vertebral augmentation techniques like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty offer minimally invasive options for osteoporotic fractures. Despite these innovations, postoperative outcomes vary, with challenges such as persistent pain and hardware complications necessitating tailored interventions. Future directions emphasize predictive analytics and enhanced recovery strategies to optimize surgical outcomes and patient quality of life.