Anyone have experience with pars defects?

[Jeaniem130]

Anyone?

[Met00]

What are pars defects?

[AnnieW55 in reply to Met00]

From Dr Google: “A pars defect or spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the bones of the lower spine. These fractures typically occur due to overuse. They can be on one or both sides of the vertebrae. It is a common cause of low back pain in children and adolescents.“

Also: “If the fracture of the pars interarticularis is not treated, this fracture can worsen, eventually causing one of the vertebra to slide forward. This worsened condition is known as spondylolisthesis.”

[Jeaniem130]

Thank you AnnieW55. I had the pars defect bilaterally and the resulting spondylolthesis. I had a spinal fusion at L5 S1 almost 1 year ago in hopes to to correct this. My recent follow up xray states osteopenia and osteoarhtritis at SI joints. My doctor had wanted me to take osteoporosis meds for a -2.6 T score. Hips were fine at -1.1. but I declined. I can feel the hardware shift in my back and am now wondering if my Dr was right and I had weak bones that are not supporting the bone graft at the fusion site. I see surgeon in 9 days to discuss.

[MWZ3]

I have spondylotic changes at multiple levels according to results from an X-ray of my back. A wedge compression fracture was shown at T4.

[Jeaniem130 in reply to MWZ3]

What symptoms do you have? Do you have osteoporosis?

[MWZ3]

I have osteoporosis. I have degenerative disc disease as well as osteoarthritis so my back is not good. I can’t stand in one spot or sit on most chairs. I can walk for a few minutes at a time. I am 78 years old.

[Jeaniem130 in reply to MWZ3]

That sounds miserable😑 Are you able to use anything for pain relief? I just found out about my SI joints osteoarthritis but my mris show multilevel disc bulges and dessication. I have a feeling ddd is in my future.

[MWZ3 in reply to Jeaniem130]

Usually only arthritis meds. Best thing is not to set anything off by not doing the things that cause pain like sitting on chairs that are straight and hard or walking more than tolerable at a time. I have comfy chairs at home that support me without stressing my back.