PSEUDOARTHROSIS OF THE SPINE

Pseudarthroses of the spine are classified into congenital, acquired n on-traumatic, posttraumatic and postoperative (iatrogenic) pseudarthro ses. The various types of non-unions of the spine are described accord ing to their clinical and radiological appearance. In line with their clinical importance, special attention with respect to the operative t reatment is given to non-union of the axis of C2 and to spondylolysis. For the pseudarthrosis of the dens a posterior fusion according to Ga llie-Brooks is recommended, in spondylolyses without marked slipping a ''direct repair'' should be considered in young patients.