Lytic spondylolysis. Repair by wiring.

A technique for repairing the defect in spondylolysis by wiring is presented together with the results achieved in seven patients; the follow-up ranged from 2 to 12 years. The relative simplicity of the technique is stressed; and the technical problems likely to be encountered, together with the modifications of the basic technique necessary to cope with them, are noted. When conservative methods have been tried without success and the patient has a lesion at one or more levels and is less than 30 years old at presentation, then the technique described will give predictable results with regard to union of the defect and patient function.