IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Pars interarticularis defect and spondylolisthesis

Case contributed by Daniel M Conroy
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chronic lower back pain.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Lateral projection shows L3 pars interarticularis defects and grade 1 spondylolisthesis of L3 on L4.

Case Discussion

This case demonstrates bilateral L3 pars defects (spondylolysis), which is unusual as >95% of these defects occur at either L4 or L5. 

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.