title: Percutaneous pars interarticularis screw fixation: a technical note.
abstract: A conventional midline posterior approach is used for most of the described surgical techniques. We describe a technique of percutaneous fixation of the pars interarticularis, augmented where necessary by grafting the defect, which minimises muscle injury.
  
  
  
  A 4.5 mm partially threaded dynamic compression screw is placed over a wire inserted percutaneously across the pars interarticularis defect. Compression is achieved across the pars interarticularis defect on placement of the screw. The screw is locked in a compressed state.
  
  
  
  The patient is mobilised the same day with a corset for comfort and discharged the following day. Aerobic fitness is maintained for 3 months; then, focused rehabilitation performed until a CT scan confirms healing at 5-6 months, at which stage full (sports) activity is resumed.
  
  
  
  The minimal tissue injury and small incision used allow for the minimising of complications and for a rapid recovery and discharge from hospital. With adolescents, we have the opportunity to treat symptomatic pars interarticularis defects with minimal disruption to their academic and physical development.
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, UK.
authors.forename: Lester
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, UK. farhaanaltaf@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Farhaan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Altaf
authors.affiliation: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London, UK.
authors.forename: Philippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tyler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001863:Bone Screws; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013131:Spine / Q000601:surgery*; D013169:Spondylolysis / Q000601:surgery
keywords: Minimally invasive; Percutaneous screw; Spondylolysis