[Lumbar spondylolysis treated with cerclage using the method of the 80's]

Between 1986 and 1990 direct repair of the defect in lumbar spondylolysis was performed in 11 patients. The mean age was 20 (14-36). Conservative treatment for at least six months was first tried in all patients. Criteria for operation were absence of degenerative disc lesions on X-rays, maximum spondylolisthesis of 15%, no neurological signs and effect of brace treatment. The Edinburgh technique of tension wiring was used in 11 patients. Mean observation time was three years (one to six). The pain decreased considerably or vanished in nine patients. One improved a little and one was unchanged. None were reoperated. At follow up all 11 patients were working. It is concluded that direct repair of lumbar spondylolysis is a good alternative to intersegmental fusion, when the criteria are kept in mind.