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.
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