Surgical Treatment of the Spondylolysis and Minimal Spondylolisthesis

Kim, Joon Soo; Hwang, Soo Hyun; Kim, Eun Sang; Park, Yong Gyu; Park, In Sung; Jung, Jin Myung; Han, Jong Woo

Abstract

As an alternative method to posterior fusion techniques to eliminate a motion segment, a modified repair of a defect in spondylolysis or minimal isthmic spondylolisthesis, by pedicle screw, segmental wire fixation and bone graft(a modified Scott method) had been done. There were seven patients who underwent modified Scott technique. Two had only spondylolysis or grade I spondylolisthesis of the isthmic type. Three had spondylolysis with herniated intervertebral disc. One had L5 spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis in the L4-5 level. The other patient had instrument failure with S1 spondylolysis. All patients underwent the modified Scott method, consisting of tension wire banding around the spinous process and a short cortical screw in the pedicle, or other procedure for their accompanying spinal disease. All patients experienced disappearance or decrease of low back pain soon after operation. The authors believe that this technique offers the advantages of maintainin all motion segments and avoiding the risk s of damaging the exciting nerve root just beneath the transverse process during the Scott method reported by Richard.