Repair of the spondylolisthetic defect and intertransverse fusion for young patients.

A technique, applicable to young patients with mild to moderate symptoms from a pars defect is described. It is based on the concept that bone grafting of the pseudoarthrosis and an intertransverse fusion using small fesh autogenous concellous grafts from the ilium will prevent further slip. Gratifying results have been obtained in 12 patients, 12 to 18 years of age, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The pars defect in all patients healed in 6 months, with a short period of hospitalization and applying a lumbosacral corset as the only means of postoperative immobilization in 7 patients. In 5 patients with a concomitant scoliosis, 3 of whom were surgically treated, the Milwaukee brace was used for immobilization.