Translamino-pedicular screw fixation with bone grafting for symptomatic isthmic lumbar spondylolysis.

Anterior or posterolateral spondylodesis has been reported and used widely as a surgical treatment for lumbar spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. Although spinal fusion is necessary when there is extensive vertebral slippage or spinal instability, the direct repair of the defect is thought to be anatomical, logical, and less invasive as a surgical treatment for symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis or a minimal degree of spondylolisthesis. This operation, with a few modifications, has been performed since 1985 in our clinic. The results, using Henderson's criteria, were excellent in 64.5% and good in 25.8% of the patients thus treated. For younger patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis, direct repair of the defect using translamino-pedicular instrumentation with bone grafting is recommended, as degenerative changes have not usually occurred in the vertebral discs.