Etymed
spondylolysis
Definition
A condition characterized by the breakdown or destruction of vertebrae, often referring to a defect in the vertebral arch
Clinical context
A 16-year-old male presents with lower back pain that worsens with activity. He has a history of participating in gymnastics and soccer. Physical examination reveals tenderness over the lumbar spine with pain radiating to the buttocks. Imaging shows a bilateral defect in the pars interarticularis of L5 vertebrae. The patient is diagnosed with spondylolysis, a common cause of low back pain in adolescents and young adults.
Mnemonic
Spondylolysis = Spondylo (spine) + lysis (breakdown) - think 'pars interarticularis defect' causing 'spongy' bone breakdown in young athletes