Lumbar Spondylolysis Reconstruction-Stabilization Using a Motion-Preserving Technique

World Neurosurg. 2021 Oct:154:e698-e706. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.07.124. Epub 2021 Aug 3.

Abstract

Background: Conservative methods are the traditional options in the management of lumber spondylolysis whereas surgery is indicated for symptomatic patients not responding to medical treatment and cases with a multilevel pars defect. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiologic results of using bone graft and fixation with pedicular screw-rod-laminar hook construct in treatment of lumber spondylolysis.

Patients and methods: Between October 2017 and January 2020, 20 patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis not responding to conservative treatment for more than 6 months were treated by defect reconstruction fixation using bone block autografting and pedicular screw laminar hook construct. The mean follow-up time was 12.5 ± 03.5 months. All patients were examined pre- and postoperatively and followed up clinically (pain [visual analog scale]), functionally (Oswestry Disability Index, Modified Prolo Functional Economic Scales, and Macnab criteria), and radiologically (pars defect healing). Perioperative outcomes and complications were documented.

Results: Clinical, radiologic, and functional outcomes were significantly improved. Bony union was evident in all patients (100%). Blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay increased in cases with a multilevel pars defect and cases with associated injuries. Two cases reported complications in this study as misplaced pedicular screw and superficial wound infection.

Conclusions: Reconstruction fixation of pars defect using this construct is an effective, feasible procedure in the treatment of Lumbar spondylolysis regarding the preservation of lumbar motion and avoidance of adjacent-segment problems after fusion.

Keywords: Lumbar spondylolysis; Pars defect; Pedicular screw–laminar hook–rod construct.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bone Transplantation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Lumbosacral Region / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbosacral Region / surgery
  • Male
  • Pedicle Screws
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / instrumentation
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Spondylolysis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spondylolysis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult