A 37-year-old member asked:
What is pars defect at your spine mean anyway?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Guyeranswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 47 years experience
A defect in vertebra: This refers to a defect in the bone that connects the upper and lower facet joint of a vertebra. It is thought that most these arise as stress fractures that do not heal. The vast majority cause no symptoms.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Jennifer Jenningsanswered
Neurosurgery 19 years experience
Vertebral defect: It is essentially a hairline fracture in the vertebra at the pars. Sometimes this is an incidental finding and does not cause any particular pain or instability. It can be congenital, something you are both with, or traumatic. In some cases, it can lead to pain or instability. A dynamic x-ray, one taken while bending forward and back, can indicate whether this is unstable or not.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 5, 2015
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.