Spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis

Diagnosis:

These are imaging findings. Whether they are the cause of deficits requires clinical correlation plus electrophysiology as necessary
Spondylolisthesis: Slipping of one vertebra upon another
Spondylolysis: a bony defect (fracture) in the pars interarticularis (connects the pedicle and lamina on axial plane, connects superior and inferior articular processes of the facet joints on sagittal plane), incomplete ring. Predisposes to spondylolisthesis

Findings on Investigations:

X-ray: Slipping of one vertebra upon another (spondylolisthesis)
CT:

  • distinguishes spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis
  • If planning surgery or if myelopathy has occurred

MRI:

  • If myelopathy has occurred or if planning surgery
  • For Spondylolysis: STIR (high signal acutely) or T1WI
  • T2: with myelopathy High signal within the spinal cord may occur, nonenhancing

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