A 14-year-old gymnast has chronic low back pain worsened by hyperextension. Standing lateral X-ray shows a defect in the pars interarticularis of L5 without any forward slip of the vertebra. The diagnosis is:
- A Spondylolisthesis Grade I
- B Spondylolysis ✓
- C Spondylosis
- D Spondyloptosis
Correct answer: B. Spondylolysis
Explanation
Spondylolysis is a defect or stress fracture in the pars interarticularis without forward displacement of the vertebra. It is common in adolescents involved in sports requiring repetitive hyperextension (gymnastics, cricket fast bowlers). Spondylolisthesis is the anterior slip of one vertebra over another (graded I to V by Meyerding). Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes. Spondyloptosis is Grade V (complete slip, 100%).
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.