Spondylolysis Spondylolysis is a defect in the pars interarticularis of a vertebra, typically occurring in the lumbar spine. It is often considered a precursor to spondylolisthesis.
Incidence and Risk Factors: Spondylolysis is commonly found in adolescents and young adults, especially those engaging in sports that involve hyperextension of the spine. Genetic predisposition and repetitive trauma are significant factors.
Clinical Presentation: Symptoms may include lower back pain and stiffness, often exacerbated by activity and alleviated by rest. Many cases are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally.
Radiological Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be made through X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, with the defect often visible in the oblique view.
Treatment and Management: Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and bracing. In persistent cases, surgery may be considered.
Spondylolisthesis Spondylolisthesis is the forward displacement of one vertebral body over the one below it. This condition can occur in conjunction with spondylolysis or independently.
Incidence and Risk Factors: It occurs more frequently in older adults and can be caused by degenerative changes, trauma, tumor, or congenital factors.
Clinical Presentation: Patients may experience lower back pain, sciatica, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Severe cases can lead to spinal stenosis.
Radiological Diagnosis: X-rays, CT scans, and MRI are utilized for diagnosis, with the Meyerding grading system often used to classify the severity.
Treatment and Management: Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause, ranging from conservative measures to surgical intervention.
Keywords: Spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, pars interarticularis, lumbar spine, vertebra, hyperextension, genetic predisposition, repetitive trauma, lower back pain, stiffness, asymptomatic, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, oblique view, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, surgery, forward displacement, vertebral body, degenerative changes, trauma, tumor, congenital, sciatica, numbness, weakness, spinal stenosis, Meyerding grading system, conservative treatment, surgical intervention, David Bennett MD