Asian Spine J.  2013 Jun;7(2):115-118. 10.4184/asj.2013.7.2.115.

V-Rod Technique for Direct Repair Surgery of Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolysis Combined with Posterior Apophyseal Ring Fracture

• Sumita T
• Sairyo K
• Shibuya I
• Kitahama Y
• Kanamori Y
• Matsumoto
• Koga S
• Kitagawa Y
• Dezawa A

• KMID: 2048100
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2013.7.2.115

Abstract

We report a pediatric baseball player having both a fracture of the posterior ring apophysis and spondylolysis. He was presented to a primary care physician complaining of back pain and leg pain. Despite conservative treatment for 3 months, the pain did not subside. He was referred to our clinic, and surgical intervention was carried out. First, a bony fragment of the caudal L5 apophyseal ring was removed following fenestration at the L5-S interlaminal space, bilaterally: and decompression of the bilateral S1 nerve roots was confirmed. Next, pseudoarthrosis of the L5 pars was refreshed and pedicle screws were inserted bilaterally. A v-shaped rod was inserted beneath the L5 spinous process, which stabilized the pars defects. After the surgery, back pain and leg pain completely disappeared. In conclusion, the v-rod technique is appropriate for the spondylolysis direct repair surgery, especially, in case the loose lamina would have a partial laminotomy.

Keyword

Spondylolysis; V-rod technique; Apophyseal ring fracture

MeSH Terms

Back Pain
Baseball
Decompression
Humans
Laminectomy
Leg
Physicians, Primary Care
Pseudarthrosis
Spondylolysis