Surgical management of multilevel lumbar spondylolysis: a case report and review of the literature

Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2014 May;100(3):347-51. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2013.12.021. Epub 2014 Mar 19.

Abstract

Multilevel lumbar spondylolysis accounts for less than 6% of the cases of lumbar spondylolysis and its treatment, as reported in the literature, has not been consistent. Fewer than ten cases presenting triple lumbar spondylosis have been published. We describe the case of a 33-year-old male presenting bilateral L3, L4, and L5 isthmic lysis with no spondylolisthesis or disc degeneration. The MRI and CT of the lumbar spine were decisive elements in the therapeutic choice and the surgical treatment performed was bilateral L3 and L4 isthmic repair via a combined anterior and posterior L5S1 approach. The clinical and radiological results were good at the last follow-up visit.

Keywords: Direct repair; Isthmic spondylolysis; MRI; Multilevel lumbar spondylolysis; Spinal fusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Spinal Fusion / methods*
  • Spondylolysis / diagnosis
  • Spondylolysis / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed