What is Spondylolysis

Spinal conditions are painful in most cases, and hence, timely diagnosis and treatment are a must to minimize the risk of severe complications. Serious spinal issues require surgical intervention where special orthopedic implants and instruments are used.

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Spondylolysis is one of the spinal issues that we are going to discuss here in this post. This is a painful condition that affects the tiny bone in the spine that is known as pars interarticularis. Spondylolysis is also known as “Pars Defect.” Let us talk about the condition in detail.

Spondylolysis – An Overview

Spondylolysis is characterized by a defect or stress fracture in the pars interarticularis. Maximum cases of spondylolysis are known to affect the lumbar vertebrae but, this condition can also affect the cervical vertebrae. Spondylolysis is known to be the common cause of spondylolisthesis.

Who is More Prone to Spondylolysis?

Kids and teens who participate in activities like gymnastics or sports like football are more prone to developing this condition. Fracture in the pars interarticularis occurs when the spine is only overstretched or overextended but not inflexed.

Causes of Spondylolysis

The exact cause of spondylolysis is unknown but, researchers believe that there are hereditary reasons behind this disorder. According to the studies, females develop this condition more when compared to males. People with spondylolysis tend to have weak pars interarticularis and hence, it is prone to break easily.

Symptoms of Spondylolysis

People suffering from spondylolysis may or may not experience any symptoms. For those who experience symptoms, lower back pain is the most common. Other symptoms that may be seen include:

• Pain that moves to the buttocks and/or legs

• Pain that makes it difficult to perform routine activities

• Difficulty in moving the spinal cord

Symptoms of spondylolysis are often noticed during growth spurts, and the diagnosis is often made at the age of 15-16 years.

Diagnosis of Spondylolysis

During the diagnosis, the healthcare service provider asks about the symptoms and medical history of the patient. This will help the doctor identify the exact cause of the symptoms experienced by the patient. Besides all this, certain imaging tests are also required to confirm the condition.

An x-ray of the lower back is most commonly done to check the fracture in vertebrae. Besides this, a CT scan or MRI may also be performed to detect small fractures and/or to rule out the possibilities of other spinal problems.

Treatment of Spondylolysis

The severity and location of the condition decide the feasible treatment procedure. The doctor always tries to fix the condition with non-surgical methods at first, and they include:

• Rest

• Prescribed medication to curb pain and inflammation

• Steroid injections

• Physical Therapy

• Bracing

When nothing works or the condition is severe, surgery is recommended. The surgery aims at stabilizing the spine and repairing the fracture. It may require special orthopedic implants.

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