Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis

Case contributed by Ahmed Abdrabou
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Back pain radiating to both lower limbs of several weeks duration.

Patient Data

Age: 15 years
Gender: Male

Minimal anterior slippage of L5 over S1 vertebra secondary to bilateral L5 pars interarticularis defect with mild L5-S1 pseudodisc bulge not compromising the neural foramina

Annotated image

The black circle refers to the defect in pars interarticularis.

Case Discussion

Pars interarticularis defect occurs following stress or repetitive microtrauma. Bilateral pars fracture may lead to spondylolisthesis with the vertebra slipped on the vertebra below dragging its nerve root against the normally placed disc (so-termed pseudobulge) which results in patient's symptomatology.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.