Minimally invasive image-guided direct repair of bilateral L-5 pars interarticularis defects

Lower back pain from spondylolysis historically has been treated with a variety of options ranging from conservative care to open fusion. The authors describe the novel technique of minimally invasive bilateral pars interarticularis screw placement by utilizing intraoperative 3D imaging and frameless navigation in a 17-year-old male athlete. This technique is a modification of the open technique first described in 1970 by Buck and has the advantages of minimal dissection requirements with improved screw trajectory visualization. The patient's postoperative course is discussed, followed by a brief literature review of pars interarticularis defect treatment.