Robotic Pars Repair Enables Return to Sport for Adolescent Athletes

New findings suggest that robotic-assisted pars repair is a promising treatment option for adolescent athletes experiencing symptomatic spondylolysis—a stress fracture in the lower spine—particularly when traditional, non-surgical methods haven’t provided relief. A recent review of data presented at the North American Spine Society Annual Meeting indicates a high rate of return to sport following the procedure.

Robotic-Assisted Pars Repair: A Growing Option

Researchers retrospectively analysed data from nine adolescent patients who underwent pars repair using a single-screw robotic technique. The study focused on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of this approach, tracking patient progress up to one year after surgery.

Did You Know? The data presented was from a study conducted at the North American Spine Society Annual Meeting in November 2025.

According to the abstract presented, five of the nine patients were able to return to their previous level of athletic activity, or even surpass it. Only one patient continued to experience back pain and was unable to return to sport. CT scans conducted one year post-surgery revealed evidence of fusion in three patients.

The Potential for Preventing Future Complications

Sheeraz Qureshi, MD, MBA, co-chief of spine service at Hospital for Special Surgery and professor of orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, noted that robotic-assisted pars repair is being offered with increasing frequency. While non-surgical treatments remain the initial approach, this minimally invasive surgical option is gaining traction.

Expert Insight: Dr. Qureshi’s observation highlights a shift in treatment paradigms, suggesting a willingness to consider more proactive surgical interventions for spondylolysis, particularly in young athletes where a return to high-level activity is a priority.

Dr. Qureshi expressed hope that future research will determine whether robotic-assisted pars repair can prevent the development of spondylolisthesis—a condition where one vertebra slips forward over another—a potential long-term complication of spondylolysis. He suggests that if the procedure proves effective in preventing spondylolisthesis, it could become the preferred initial treatment for certain cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is spondylolysis?

Spondylolysis is a stress fracture in one of the bones in the lower spine.

What were the key findings of the study?

The study showed that most adolescent athletes who underwent robotic-assisted pars repair returned to the same or a higher level of sport, and fusion was evident in some patients at one-year follow-up.

How can I contact Dr. Qureshi for more information?

Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi can be contacted through [email protected].

As robotic-assisted techniques continue to evolve, will this approach become a standard of care for young athletes with spondylolysis?