Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pars interarticularis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
The pars interarticularis is the part of the vertebra located between the inferior and superior articular processes of the facet joint.[1]
Anatomy
Anatomy
In the transverse plane, it lies between the lamina and pedicle. It is abnormal in spondylolysis, either due to fracture or congenitally.[2]
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
It is abnormal in spondylolysis, either due to fracture or congenitally.
Imaging
Imaging
On an anterior oblique radiograph of the lumbar spine, the pars is the neck of the imaginary Scottie dog; the Scottie dog’s eye is the pedicle,[3] its hindlegs the spinous process, its nose the transverse process and its forelegs the inferior articular facet.[4]
References
References
- ↑ Pars interarticularis. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?keyword=Pars+interarticularis. Accessed on: April 9, 2007.
- ↑ Spondylolysis. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. URL: http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?keyword=spondylolysis. Accessed on: April 14, 2007.
- ↑ Macleod S, Hendry G (1982). “Congenital absence of a lumbar pedicle. A case report and a review of the literature”. Pediatr Radiol. 12 (4): 207–10. PMID 6752854.
- ↑ Capobianco JD. OMM Board Review. Available at: [1]. Accessed on: April 9, 2007.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]