Turkish Neurosurgery 2009 , Vol 19 , Num 2
Monoradiculopathy and Secondary Segmental Instability Caused by Postoperative Pars Interarticularis Fracture: A Case Report
Tuncay KANER1, İbrahim TUTKAN2
1Pendik State Hospital, Neurosurgery Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
2Validebag State Hospital, Neurosurgery Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey
Instability can develop after lumbar spinal surgery. What is also known as secondary segmental instability is one of the important causes of failed back syndrome. In this paper, we described a 45-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with secondary segmental instability caused by left L3 pars interarticularis fracture after a high lumbar disc surgery and was subsequently treated with re-operation. We evaluated the clinical course, diagnosis, and treatment methods for secondary segmental instability caused by postoperative pars interarticularis fracture. Furthermore, we emphasized the importance of preserving the pars interarticularis during upper lumbar disc surgeries in order to avoid a potential stress fracture. Keywords : Herniated disc, Lumbar vertebrae, Pars interarticularis, Failed back syndrome, Radiculopathy
Corresponding author : Tuncay Kaner, tkaner2002@yahoo.com