Pars Injection for Lumbar Spondylolysis

Following your recent investigations and consultation with your spinal surgeon, a possible cause for your symptoms may have been found. Your X-rays and / or scans have revealed that you have a lumbar spondylolysis.

This is a stress fracture of the narrow bridge of bone between the facet joints (pars interarticularis) at the back of the spine, commonly called a pars defect. There may be a hereditary aspect to spondylolysis,for example an individual may be born with thin vertebral bone and therefore be vulnerable to this condition;or certain sports, such as gymnastics, weight lifting and football can put a great deal of stress on the bones through constantly over-stretching the spine. Either cause can result in a stress fracture on one or both sides of the vertebra (bone of the spine).

Many people are not aware of their stress fracture or experience any problems but symptoms can occasionally occur including lower back pain, pain in the thighs and buttocks, stiffness, muscle tightness and tenderness.

If the stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position, the vertebra can start to shift out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis.

There is a forward slippage of one lumbar vertebra on the vertebra below it. The degree of spondylolisthesis may vary from mild to severe but if too much slippage occurs, the nerve roots can be stretched where they branch out of the spinal canal. This can cause pain,numbness, increased sensitivity or even weakness of the muscles in the part of the leg where that particular spinal nerve supplies (a condition known as sciatica).