Pars Repair for Spondylolisthesis

What is it?

Pars Repair is a surgical procedure primarily focused on treating spondylolisthesis, a condition where one of the vertebrae in the spine slips out of its proper position onto the bone below it. This condition often occurs due to a defect or fracture in a part of the vertebra known as the pars interarticularis, a small segment of bone that joins the upper and lower facets of the vertebra. Pars Repair corrects this defect and stabilizes the affected vertebra, alleviating pain and preventing further slippage.

Pars Repair is typically recommended for patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis resulting from a pars defect, particularly in cases where conservative treatments like physical therapy, braces, or pain management have not provided adequate relief.

The recovery process may involve physical therapy to strengthen the back muscles and improve spinal flexibility. Patients are usually advised to slowly resume their regular activities, following any specific guidelines provided by their surgeon.

Procedure

When this part of the bone is damaged, it can compromise the stability of the vertebra, leading to slippage, which can cause pain and nerve compression.

The surgery involves directly repairing the fractured or defective pars interarticularis. This is usually done through a small back incision over the affected vertebra. The surgeon often uses screws and rods to bridge the defect and stabilize the area. Sometimes, a bone graft is added to promote healing and fusion of the fractured pars segment.

Pars Repair specifically addresses the underlying cause of spondylolisthesis, making it an effective treatment for certain types of this condition. The procedure can significantly reduce the pain associated with spondylolisthesis and improve spinal stability, allowing patients to return to a more active lifestyle. Pars Repair can maintain a greater degree of natural spine movement than some other spinal fusion procedures.