ABSTRACT
[Objective]To observe the clinical results of a hollow compression nail applied to treat the separation of elements of neural arch.[Method]Since February,2003,sixteen cases of separation of elements of neural arch have been treated with a hollow compression nail and bone grafting .The mean age of the group was 32,from 18 to 54.Five cases of separation of elements of neural arch located at L4 and the other 11 at L5.All the patients suffered from severe back pain.During the operation,the presence of the pars interarticularis defect was confirmed.The defects were cleared of any fibrous and cartilaginous tissues.The sclerotic bone margins were curetted until bleeding was noted .Autograft harvested from posterior ilium was done.The hollow compression nail was placed onto the index vertebra.[Result]All the patients were followed-up for more than 14 months (14～26 months).The significant back pain relief was found in all the cases.The bony healing was comfirmed in 11 cases,and the other 5 were in the process of bone growth.[Conclusion]The separation of elements of neural arch can be treated by the hollow compression nail without spinal fusion.The hollow compression nail is proved to be safe and effective.
