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Bilateral pars defect 14 yr old boy, right non-union
My son has bilateral pars defect, one side healing and right side is non healing in l5. He is in brace for 6-8 weeks to see if it will heal.
Has any one used stem cell therapy to promote bone growth? Any suggestions?
MRI shows no slippage. Anyone have success with direct repair?
He is a lineman and is devastated with the thought of not being able to play football again.
I just want him healthy and with out pain for his life moving forward if possible.
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When I was your son's age, I was high jumping and sustained a bi-lateral pars fracture/defect of the L5 vertebrae. This was in the 1970's and at the time I should have been braced as you are now doing with your son. Unfortunately my pars fracture never healed and in my 30's I had spinal fusion done with out screws/instrumentation. At the time I was unaware of the direct repair that was pioneered by J. E. Buck, a British Orthopedic Surgeon in the 1970s. Most studies on direct repair refer to the procedure as a "Buck" repair in his honor. My surgery was not a success. If I had known about the direct repair I would have considered it as a fusion is so much more invasive. Bracing and PT is, in my opinion, is your best choice. If the Pars doesn't heal then consider the direct repair. Be careful as only a handful of Othopecic/Neuro Surgeons have the necessary expertise for this type of highly specialized surgery. Good luck and I was told I could not participate in sports also but I was able to play high school basketball and tennis so don't let him feel to down.
Thank you for responding, I am sorry to hear about all that you have been through. The purpose of my post was to help find a Dr that will do the procedure near me. I have found 2 on line, 1 in Los Angeles at cedar Sinai but I have to get insurance to pre authorization. I don’t know if that will work. We are also in the middle of scheduling at alpine spinal clinic for stem cell therapy in Utah.
I haven’t heard concrete information on this yet everyone says too try before surgery.
I am so stressed about not doing enough for him or doing anything that might harm him worse.
I hope you are feeling better.
Thanks
Jim
@jamesh73
If you do have to go the route of surgery- and I really hope you do not. Find a doctor who is the best- you may find this interesting:
https://news.med.miami.edu/unique-surgery-helps-young-athletes-with-spinal-fractures-get-back-in-the-game/
@turtlebay
Thank you, I have seen this article and I think of him and Dr. Skaggs at cedar Sinai have very similar approaches and I am confident with either one.
The problem is to get our insurance pre authorized for out of state. Part of the reason for this post is so someone will understand what I am looking for and have that available in Michigan. Have not found a surgeon here yet with the mindset that those 2 Dr.s have.
He has a tentative appointment at alpine spinal orthopedics for stem cell therapy. Hope and pray that he will recover after that.
This time that pass’s is so difficult. I am sure you understand better than most, days turn into months . I can change my insurance but have to wait until next open season and try to work with one of the other surgeons.
Your son is fortunate having you so informed and educated. Yes, let's hope the stem cell therapy and bracing does the trick. I wish you and your son the best.