Many operations have been recommended to treat Pars Interarticularis fractures that have separated and are persistently symptomatic, but little other than conservative treatment has been recommended for symptomatic incomplete fractures.

10 consecutive patients aged 15–28 [mean 21.7 years] were treated operatively between 2010–2014. All but one were either professional athletes [3 cricketers, 2 athletics, 1 soccer] or academy cricketers [3 patients]. 8 patients had unilateral fractures, and two had bilateral fractures at the same level. The duration of pre-operative pain and disability with exercise ranged from 4–24 months [mean 15.4 months].

The operation consists of a percutaneous compression screw inserted through a 1.5cm midline skin incision under fluoroscopic guidance: 6 cases were also checked with the O-arm intra-operatively. Post-operation the patients were mobilised with a simple corset and discharged the following day with a customised rehabilitation program.

All 12 fractures in 10 patients healed as demonstrated on post-operative CT scans at between 3–6 months. One patient had the screw revised at 24 hours for an asymptomatic breach, and one patient developed a halo around the fracture site without screw loosening, and had a successful revision operation to remove the screw and graft the pars from the screw channel. All patients achieved a full return to asymptomatic activity, within a timescale of 4–12 months post-surgery, depending on the sport.

Athletes that have persistent symptoms from incomplete pars interarticularis fractures should consider percutaneous fixation rather than undergoing prolonged or repeated periods of rest.

Back pain is a common symptom in children and adolescents. Here we review the important causes, of which defects and stress reactions of the pars interarticularis are the most common identifiable problems. More serious pathology, including malignancy and infection, needs to be excluded when there is associated systemic illness. Clinical evaluation and management may be difficult and always requires a thorough history and physical examination. Diagnostic imaging is obtained when symptoms are persistent or severe. Imaging is used to reassure the patient, relatives and carers, and to guide management.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:717–23.

Conventional growing rods are the most commonly used distraction-based devices in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis. This technique requires repeated lengthenings with the patient anaesthetised in the operating theatre. We describe the outcomes and complications of using a non-invasive magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) in children with early-onset scoliosis. Lengthening is performed on an outpatient basis using an external remote control with the patient awake.

Between November 2009 and March 2011, 34 children with a mean age of eight years (5 to 12) underwent treatment. The mean length of follow-up was 15 months (12 to 18). In total, 22 children were treated with dual rod constructs and 12 with a single rod. The mean number of distractions per patient was 4.8 (3 to 6). The mean pre-operative Cobb angle was 69° (46° to 108°); this was corrected to a mean 47° (28° to 91°) post-operatively. The mean Cobb angle at final review was 41° (27° to 86°). The mean pre-operative distance from T1 to S1 was 304 mm (243 to 380) and increased to 335 mm (253 to 400) in the immediate post-operative period. At final review the mean distance from T1 to S1 had increased to 348 mm (260 to 420).

Two patients developed a superficial wound infection and a further two patients in the single rod group developed a loss of distraction. In the dual rod group, one patient had pull-out of a hook and one developed prominent metalwork. Two patients had a rod breakage; one patient in the single rod group and one patient in the dual rod group. Our early results show that the MCGR is safe and effective in the treatment of progressive early-onset scoliosis with the avoidance of repeated surgical lengthenings.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:75–80.

We describe the results of a prospective case series to evaluate a technique of direct pars repair stabilised with a construct that consists of a pair of pedicle screws connected with a u-shaped modular link that passes beneath the spinous process. Tightening the link to the screws compresses the bone grafted pars defect providing rigid intrasegmental fixation. 20 patients aged between 9 and 21 years with a pars defect at L5 confirmed on computed tomography (CT) were included. The average age of the patients was 13.9 years. The eligible patient had Grade I or less spondylolisthesis and no evidence of intervertebral degeneration on MRI. The average duration of follow-up was 4 years. Clinical assessments for all patients was via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scores (VAS). At the latest follow-up, 18 of the 20 patients had excellent clinical outcomes with a significant (p<0.001) improvement in their ODI and VAS scores with a mean post-operative ODI score of 8%. Fusion of the pars defect as assessed by CT showed fusion rates of 80%. There were no hardware complications. The strength of the construct obviates the need for post-operative immobilisation.

We describe the clinical results of a technique of direct pars repair stabilised with a construct that consists of a pair of pedicle screws connected with a modular link that passes beneath the spinous process. Tightening the link to the screws compresses the bone grafted pars defect providing rigid intrasegmental fixation.

20 patients aged between 9 and 21 years were included in this prospective study. Each of the patients had high activity levels and suffered from significant back pain without radicular symptoms or signs. Patients had either no or grade I spondylolisthesis. Definitive pseudoarthrosis and fracture were confirmed via computerize tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in every patient to assess the adjacent disc spaces which demonstrated normal signal intensity.

A midline incision was used for surgery. The pars interarticularis defect was exposed and filled with autologous iliac crest bone graft prior to screw insertion. After screw insertion, a link was contoured to fit, and placed just caudal to the spinous process, deep to the interspinous ligament of the affected level, and attached to each pedicle screw. There was early mobilization post-operatively without a brace. The average inpatient stay was 3 days. Post-operative complications included 1 superficial wound haematoma and two superficial wound infections which responded to antibiotic treatment. Follow-up was at 6 weeks, 6 months and at 18 months, and 24 months. Clinical assessments for all patients was via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analogue scores (VAS). At the latest follow-up, 18 out of the 20 patients showed a significant (p<0.05) improvement in their ODI and VAS scores. The mean post-operative ODI score was 8%. All patients had radiographs and CT scans which showed fusion rates of 80% in those patients followed up for a minimum of 24 months. This new technique for direct pars repair demonstrates high fusion rates in addition provides the possible benefits of maintaining adjacent level motion. Clinically this group had good-to excellent functional outcomes as indicated by visual analogue scales and the Oswestry Disability Index in 18 out of 20 patients studied with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

We describe the results of a prospective case series of patients with spondylolysis, evaluating a technique of direct stabilisation of the pars interarticularis with a construct that consists of a pair of pedicle screws connected by a U-shaped modular link passing beneath the spinous process. Tightening the link to the screws compresses bone graft in the defect in the pars, providing rigid intrasegmental fixation. We have carried out this procedure on 20 patients aged between nine and 21 years with a defect of the pars at L5, confirmed on CT. The mean age of the patients was 13.9 years (9 to 21). They had a grade I or less spondylolisthesis and no evidence of intervertebral degeneration on MRI. The mean follow-up was four years (2.3 to 7.3). The patients were assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). At the latest follow-up, 18 patients had an excellent clinical outcome, with a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in their ODI and VAS scores. The mean ODI score at final follow-up was 8%. Assessment of the defect by CT showed a rate of union of 80%. There were no complications involving the internal fixation.

The strength of the construct removes the need for post-operative immobilisation.

Objective: We prospectively compared the techniques of skip laminectomy and laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical spondolytic myelopathy in terms extent of decompression achieved, axial pain, postoperative range of cervical motion, patient and surgical outcomes.

Methods and results: We studied fifty consecutive patients operated on for cervical spondolytic myelopathy and spinal cord compression as demonstrated on MRI between the levels C3–4 to C6–7. Each patient had a minimum follow-up of two years (2.2 – 4.3 years). Twenty-five patients underwent skip laminectomy and twenty-five patients underwent laminoplasty. Decompression was assessed by pre- and post-operative MRI. Cervical range of motion was assessed by pre- and postoperative flexion and extension radiographs. Patient outcomes were assessed by evaluation of pre-and postoperative neurology and SF12 scores for mental health, physical health and axial pain.

Less blood loss and operative times were found with skip laminectomy. Similar degrees of decompression with both techniques. Significantly improved axial pain scores with skip laminectomy. Significantly improved preservation of range of movement with skip laminectomy.

Conclusion: Skip laminectomy is an effective procedure for reducing the incidence of postoperative morbidities, such as persisting axial pain, and restriction of neck motion often seen after laminoplasty, and provides adequate decompression of the spinal cord as demonstrated on MRI for a minimum follow-up of two years.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare condition, which is difficult to diagnose. It has not previously been reported following surgery to the cervical spine . We report such a case in a 45-year-old man after cervical disc replacement. A high index of suspicion, with early imaging of the brain and prompt treatment, can produce a favourable outcome, albeit not in this case.

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare but severe infection of soft-tissue associated with rapid progression, systemic toxicity and high mortality. Monomicrobial necrotising fasciitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is exceptionally uncommon with only 12 cases reported in the literature. We describe a fatal case with an atypical presentation in a patient following spinal decompression for a metastasis from prostate cancer.

We describe a case of a three year old girl with Caudal Regression Syndrome (CRS) at the ninth thoracic vertebral level with termination of the spinal cord at the unusually high level of the third thoracic vertebra. We describe this rare condition and discuss the challenging management in an extremely rare case where there is termination of the spinal cord at a high thoracic level.

CRS is a severe congenital neural and skeletal deficiency that is characterized by absence of the entire sacrum and of variable amounts of the lumbar and occasionally thoracic spine with associated neural elements. This is accompanied by a number of congenital visceral abnormalities.

Controversy belies the optimal orthopaedic management of the spinal anomaly and the associated lower extremity deformities in this condition. Affected children have multiple musculoskeletal abnormalities, including foot deformities, knee and hip flexion contractures, dis-located hips, spino-pelvic instability, and scoliosis.

We believe the care of these complex patients should be highly individualized.

Patients with types I and II lumbosacral agenesis have an excellent chance of becoming community ambulators and early interventions should be taken to correct the associated orthopaedic deformities. Treatment of types III and IV lumbosacral agenesis is controversial. In these severe forms of agenesis periodic examinations of the spine for scoliosis should be performed and the patient must be monitored for spinopelvic instability as indicated by a worsening posture. The management of these and other orthopaedic deformities is controversial but we do advocate the surgical correction of fixed deformities of the lower extremities which interfere with sitting or with the wearing of braces or shoes thereby avoiding amputation and maintaining body image.

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcome and efficacy of the X-Stop™ interspinous implant.

67 patients (36 male, 31 female) with mean age of 62.4 years (range 50–94 years) and radiologically proven lumbar stenosis, underwent X-Stop™ implantation during the period of June 2004 to June 2007. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively at 3, 6 and 12 months using the Back and Sciatica Questionnaire, the Oswestry Disability and the SF12 questionnaire. Patient’s satisfaction was assessed in each visit. Minimum follow up 2 years in 45 patients and 1 year in 22 patients.

70% had significant improvement in the walking distance following the operation.

With the Back and Sciatica Questionnaire the average preoperative VAS of back and leg pain was 7.1 and 6.7 and improved to 2.5 and 2.6 postoperatively.

86% patient had improvement in their ODI score by 14% and more with average pre and postoperative score 44% (range18%–84%) and 15.8% (range 0%–61%) respectively.

With the SF12 questionnaire 68% patients had significant improvement in physical score and 77% in the mental score. Complications included five superficial wound infections and one wound haematoma. One patient required revision surgery.

This new surgical technique for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, is simple and effective with minimum complications.

We describe the clinical results of a new technique of direct pars repair stabilised with a construct that consists of a pair of pedicle screws connected with a modular link that passes beneath the spinous process. Tightening the link to the screws compresses the bone grafted pars defect providing rigid intrasegmental fixation.

14 patients aged between 10 and 17 years were included in this study. 7 were males and 7 females. Each of the patients had high activity levels and suffered from significant back pain without radicular symptoms or signs. All patients had undergone at least 12 months of activity modification, a trial of bracing and physical therapy before surgical options were discussed. None of the patients had spondylolisthesis. Definitive pseudo-arthrosis and fracture were confirmed via computerize tomography (CT). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in every patient to assess the adjacent disc spaces which demonstrated normal signal intensity. The pars defect was at L5 in all 14 patients.

A midline incision was used for surgery. The pars intercularis defect was exposed and filled with autolo-gous iliac crest bone graft prior to screw insertion. After screw insertion, a link was contoured to fit, and placed just caudal to the spinous process, deep to the interspinous ligament of the affected level, and attached to each pedicle screw. There was early mobilization post-operatively without a brace.

The average inpatient stay was 3 days. Post-operative complications included 1 superficial wound haematoma. Follow-up was at 6 weeks, 6 months and at 1 year. At the latest follow-up, visual analogue scores ranged between 0 and 4 for all patients, indicating excellent overall pain control. Functional assessments for all patients via the modified Oswestry scores were 0% to 13%, indicating a good overall functional result. All patients had radiographs at follow-up which showed fusion rates of 80% in those patients followed up for 1 year.

This new technique for direct pars repair demonstrates high fusion rates in addition provides the possible benefits of maintaining adjacent level motion. Clinically this group had good-to excellent functional outcomes as indicated by visual analogue scales and the Oswestry Disability Index.

We describe a case of sciatic endometriosis in a 25-year-old woman diagnosed by MRI and histology with no evidence of intrapelvic disease.

The presentation, diagnosis and management of this rare condition are described. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent irreversible damage to the sciatic nerve.