Repair of lumbar spondylolysis using Morscher material: 14 children followed for 1-5 years

Abstract

We evaluated the results of spondylolysis repair in children and adolescents with the Morscher system. 14 patients (8 girls) with symptomatic spondylolysis unresponsive to closed treatment were operated on. Mean age at operation was 12 (7-15) years. The average followup was 33 (16-66) months. Results were assessed clinically according to the Henderson classification and radiographically. Clinical results were excellent in 9 patients, good in 4 and poor in 1. Radiographs showed that fusion was obtained in 12 patients, it was doubtful in 1 and 1 patient had non-union. Loosening of the screw on one or both sides was noted in 8 patients and necessitated removal of the osteosynthesis material which, however, did not alter the final outcome. The satisfactory results obtained in our series are similar to those reported in the literature.