Unilateral progressive alterations in the lumbar spine: a biomechanical study

Lumbar radiculopathy secondary to foraminal stenosis can be treated by unilateral removal of the overlying pars interarticularis. The main concern after this procedure is spinal stability. In this study the authors evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the lumbar spine under torsional loading after unilateral progressive alterations, including resection of the pars.

Six human cadaveric L5-sacrum functional spinal units were tested while intact and then after the following sequential unilateral alterations: excision of the pars, capsulectomy, facetectomy, and discectomy. Specimens were tested in rotation by using a biomechanical testing machine, with an axial load of 280 N and torques of +/- 7.5 Nm. The specimens remained in the machine throughout testing, and the angular displacements were recorded after each set of trials. No statistically significant difference in any of the measured parameters was found between intact spines and those undergoing resection of the pars. For positive displacement (toward the side of the lesion), a significant difference from the intact condition was found after facetectomy and discectomy. For overall displacement (range of motion), spines treated with capsulectomy, facetectomy, and discectomy were significantly different from those in the intact condition.

Unilateral removal of the pars interarticularis does not increase spinal mobility in a statistically significant fashion. The clinical implication is that the spine may not become acutely unstable after unilateral resection of the pars.