Repair of lumbar spondylolysis using Morscher material - 14 children followed for 1-5 years

We evaluated the results of spondylolysis sis repair in children and adoles cents with the Morscher system. 14 patients (8 girls) with symptomatic spon dylolysis unresponsive to closed treatment were operated on. Mean age at op eration was 12 (7-15) years. The average follow-up was 33 (16-66) months. R esults were assessed clinically according to the Henderson classification a nd radiographically. Clinical results were excellent in 9 patients, good in 4 and poor in 1. Radiographs showed that fusion was obtained in 12 patient s, it was doubtful in 1 and 1 patient had non-union. Loosening of the screw on one or both sides was noted in 8 patients and necessitated removal of t he osteosynthesis material which, however did not alter the final outcome. The satisfactory results obtained in our series are similar to those report ed in the literature.