F. Pellise et al., Clinical and CT scan evaluation after direct defect repair in spondylolysis using segmental pedicular screw hook fixation, J SPINAL D, 12(5), 1999, pp. 363-367
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.