Pars defect repair surgery

SURGERY TO REPAIR PARS DEFECT


Pars defects can lead to pain in your lower back. This can be repaired by placing a screw across the fracture, allowing it to heal over time.

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Back care

What is Pars defect?

Pars defect is a condition that affects the lumbar (lower) spine. The front and back parts of your vertebra (spine bones) become separated as a result of repeated stress and strain.

This can cause you to experience severe pain in your lower back. Your surgeon can carry out a procedure to treat this, allowing your bone to repair itself. 

Need to know

Pars defect repair surgery is normally carried out under general anaesthetic.Your surgeon's techniques may vary, but they may do the following. They'll start by making an incision in your lower back. Then, using surgical instruments and X-ray images, your surgeon will place screws across the two parts of the vertebra that have been separated. This will hold the bones together while they heal. Your surgeon will finish by closing the incision in your back.
Surgery to repair a pars defect is considered a major procedure. Your consultant will explain this in detail and answer any questions you might have. The nature of pars defect repair surgery means you will undergo a range of tests beforehand. This will include X-rays to gain a greater understanding of your injury.

Recovery time for pars defect repair surgery can vary for each individual. You may be kept in hospital for up to a week and during this time, you may have to wear a back brace. This is to ensure your back and vertebrae are held in a fixed position. Our nurses will continue to monitor and care for you whilst in hospital.

When you’re ready to go home you may be given pain relief medication. Your consultant will advise you on your rehabilitation process, including walking and light exercise. They will also arrange follow-up appointments for you.

If you have any questions or concerns, your consultant will answer these for you.

Our Pars defect repair surgery consultants

Mr Ramsey Chammaa

Mr Ramsey Chammaa

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr Colin Natali

Mr Colin Natali

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr Robert Lee

Mr Robert Lee

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr Parag Sayal

Mr Parag Sayal

Neurosurgery

Our Pars defect repair surgery locations

The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.