Spondylolysis, also referred to as a pars defect, is a stress fracture through the pars interarticularis, a thin bone segment joining two vertebrae within the lumbar. It is the area most likely to be affected by repeated stress. This condition is fairly common and is found in 5% of all people.
The symptom most commonly associated with spondylolysis is back pain, with the pain worsening with time due to activity and sport. Generally, the pain doesn’t interfere with everyday activities, but if it persists, you may want to seek advice from your doctor about the best course of action.
Surgery may be an option for adolescents with lumbar spondylolysis, with the fracture being repaired using a strong titanium screw. The two sides of the fracture are brought together, providing some compression across the area.
The surgery takes approximately three hours, followed by two or three days in the hospital for recovery. Most adolescents will need two to four weeks for recovery at home. This surgery is successful in eliminating back pain related to spondylolysis, with most patients able to return to their previous lifestyles without pain.
