Surgical treatment of bilateral nondisplaced isthmic lysis by interlaminar fixation device

STUDY DESIGN: Spondylolysis is a defect in the portion of pars interarticularis. The latter affects approximately 6% of the population. It is caused by repetitive trauma in hyperextension. Low back pain is the most common symptom. METHODS: We implanted interspinous process devices in 12 patients with isthmic lysis without spondylolisthesis for low back pain. The purpose of the surgery was to conduct a minimally invasive procedure. RESULTS: In eight cases, patients became asymptomatic. In two cases, there has been a considerable improvement. In two cases, no change had been noted. CONCLUSION: This good result motivates us to consider this approach a part of therapeutic arsenal for some cases of spondylolysis.