Direct repair of spondylolytic defects in young competitive athletes.
BACKGROUND
Operative treatment of symptomatic spondylolysis is rare. A variety of surgeries have been described. In general, reported operative success rates are high, although in most studies the successful return to sport of the competitive athlete is not detailed.


OBJECTIVE
To review outcome, specifically return to sport, in a group of competitive athletes after direct pars repair for symptomatic spondylolysis.


METHODS
This was a retrospective case series of a single surgeon.


METHODS
Series of four athletes who underwent direct pars repair over an 18-month period.


METHODS
Return to their sport.


METHODS
Chart review of all patients who had undergone a single-level pars repair over an 18-month period. All patients had normal discs above the level of the repair. Postoperative clinical course was determined for all patients.


RESULTS
The patients participated in different sports. All were able to return to their presymptomatic level of activity with no restriction. One had periodic low back pain that required nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine as needed. The others were entirely asymptomatic.


CONCLUSIONS
This small series suggests that with specific inclusion criteria, a select group of motivated athletes can expect to return to their sport after direct pars repairs for symptomatic spondylolysis that has failed conservative treatment.
The Institute for Spinal Disorders, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 6560 Fannin, Suite 1900, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Charles A
CA
Reitman
Stephen I
SI
Esses
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D013177:Sports