Repair of spondylolysis using a pedicle screw U-shaped rod construct: A preliminary study of 25 young patients with a mean follow-up of 24 months.

Study Design: Prospective case series, therapeutic Level IV.

Objectives: Functional and radiographic outcome evaluation of patients with spondylolysis treated with pars interarticularis defect repair with iliac bone grafting and application of a construct consisting of a pair of polyaxial pedicle screws connected by a U-shaped rod passing beneath the spinous process.

Methods: Twenty-five patients (27 operated lumbar levels) with an average of 20 months of follow-up (range 12-24 m) with spondylolysis who met our inclusion criteria were treated with the above-mentioned technique.

Ventricular Central Neurocytoma: Rate of Shunting and Outcome 2 Years After Total and Subtotal Excision.

Background: Central neurocytoma is an intraventricular tumor that affects young adults. It has a favorable prognosis after adequate surgical intervention; however, an aggressive course may take place in some cases.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the rate of shunting and the outcome of control measures in patients with central neurocytoma submitted to total and subtotal excision.