This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Spondylolysis

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Literally, spondylolysis means a broken vertebra. Commonly, it refers to a defect at the pars interarticularis of the fifth, less frequently, the fourth, lumbar vertebra. Five percent of the normal population have a spondylolysis by the age of 5 years which rises to 6% in adults. The cause is unknown.

The condition is asymptomatic in the absence of slippage. Stretching may result in a spondylolisthesis, and produce deep lumbar pain. This is common in young vigorous patients, particularly sportsmen who hyperextend the spine. Neurological signs are absent unless there is root compression at the site of the defect.

Treatment is rarely necessary. A surgical corset may be used to relieve dull aching. Troublesome pain may be treated surgically. The defect in the pars interarticularis may be closed either by transfixing it on each side with a screw and laying in slender bone grafts, or by local fusion of the spine.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.