Clinical and CT scan evaluation after direct defect repair in spondylolysis using segmental pedicular screw hook fixation

Direct defect repair using segmental pedicular screw hook fixation was carr ied out in nine patients with spondylolysis and a mean age of 24.2 years. O ne patient was fused 3 years after isthmic reconstruction. In the remaining eight patients, after a mean follow-up of 41 months (range, 12-78), three self-evaluation scales revealed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in cli nical status. Computed tomography scans were carried out in seven patients. There was bilateral bony union in two cases, in three pars healing was uni lateral, and in two the isthmic defect persisted bilaterally. No correlatio n was observed between the status of the pars and follow-up. We conclude th at repair of defects in spondylolysis may result in a favorable clinical ou tcome even when anatomic reconstruction of pars interarticularis is not suc cessful.