Evaluation of Incidental Lumbar Spondylolysis by Computed Tomography

Abstract

BACKGROUND Spondylolysis is defined as a defect in the pars interarticularis of the vertebral arch, which is a bony bridge connecting the superior and the inferior articular facet joints. Aims and Objectives: To determine the incidental occurrence of lumbar spondylolysis, the common site and type of involvement and the associated degenerative disorders in the patients in an unselected population. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study in which incidental spondylolysis was evaluated for 852 patients (462 females and 380 males) who underwent multidetector (16 slice) CT abdomen/ (Kidney Ureter Bladder) using bone and soft tissue algorithm. Overview of Literature-There are very less number of studies regarding the prevalence of incidental spondylolysis, the common site and the type of involvement in a developing country. RESULTS CT Abdomen/ KUB imaging showed higher prevalence of incidental lumbar spondylolysis. Most common level involved was L5 vertebra, the common type was isthmic. Age wise distribution of type of spondylolysis and grading of listhesis was significant. CONCLUSION CT Abdomen/ KUB imaging of an unselected Indian population showed higher prevalence of incidental lumbar spondylolysis. The prevalence of isthmic type is higher and its progression to spondylolisthesis increases with advancing age.

Spondylolysis among Patients Without Low Back Pain in a Diagnostic Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

“…However, another study conducted in India showed a prevalence of 12.5% spondylolysis on examining 852 consecutive patients with abdomen CT in an unselected Indian population which was significantly higher than our study. 12 The possible explanation for the slightly higher rate identified in the current study is the use of CT scan. This imaging modality is currently considered the gold standard in terms of identifying spondylolysis, particularly in the setting of unilateral defects, and non-displaced bilateral defects.…”

“…However, another study conducted in India showed a prevalence of 12.5% spondylolysis on examining 852 consecutive patients with abdomen CT in an unselected Indian population which was significantly higher than our study. 12 …”

Spondylolysis in ancient Nubian skeletal populations

“…However, it is generally accepted that the etiology of spondylolysis is multifactorial, involving a congenital weakness of the pars interarticularis that results in a fracture caused by repeated stress (Figure 1). Spondylolysis is commonly reported in both clinical (e.g., Chellathurai et al, 2018;Leone et al, 2011;Mansfield & Wroten, 2021) and bioarchaeological literature (e.g., D'Angelo del Campo et al, 2017;Plomp et al, 2012;Ponce, 2010), with a past prevalence of between 3% and 54% (Merbs, 1983;Simper, 1986) and between 3% and 12.5% in living populations (Chellatharai et al, 2018;Eisenstein, 1978). However, prevalence can be higher in athletes, such as gymnasts and wrestlers, in some cases reaching up to 60% (Iwamoto et al, 2004;Sairyo et al, 2011;Tezuka et al, 2017).…”