Spondylolysis

Pars defect

A fracture or defect in the vertebra, usually in the posterior elements -most frequently in the pars interarticularis and is also know as pars defect or pars fracture.
Symptoms of Spondylolysis include low back pain and stiffness while forward bending increases pain as well as worsening with physical activity. Pain can also be experienced in the leg area but does not always have this stenotic component to it. This type of pathology is often seen in athletes such as gymnasts or injury caused by repeated strain or trauma. Medical Clinic in Los Angeles will scan your body for Spondylolysis and provide appropriate non-operative treatments and injections at our Los Angeles Pain Center.

Diagnosis of Spondylolysis is typically made from plain oblique radiographs (x-rays) and computerized tomography (CT) scan in some cases. While most fractures heal without other medical intervention, non-operative care will include limiting athletic activities that can aggravate or worsen the condition. Other non-operative treatments available such as steroidal and facet injections may also work for pain associated with this condition. Surgical care may be necessary for failure of non-operative treatments and would include a posterior fusion that is instrumented and may require decompression.