Pars interarticularis fracture

Case contributed by Bahman Rasuli
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Lumbar spine trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 15 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

There is a break in the pars interarticularis of L5 vertebrae. The "Scottie Dog" has an apparent "collar, which it should not have. The "collar" defined as a break in the pars interarticularis.

Spondylolysis of L5 vertebrae is seen in the background of pars interarticularis fracture with no evidence of spondylolisthesis.

Bone marrow edema/bruise also is seen at the site of fracture.

Case Discussion

Spondylolysis is a specific defect in the pars interarticularis unit. This defect can lead to small stress fractures (breaks) in the vertebrae.

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