Differential Diagnosis for Lumbar Pain with Pars Defect
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Spondylolysis: This condition is characterized by a defect in the pars interarticularis, which is often associated with lumbar pain. The presence of a pars defect on X-ray strongly supports this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when a vertebra slips out of place, often due to a pars defect. It can cause lumbar pain and is a common complication of spondylolysis.
- Degenerative disc disease: This condition can cause lumbar pain and may be associated with a pars defect, especially if the defect is chronic and has led to instability in the spine.
- Facet joint syndrome: This condition can cause lumbar pain and may be associated with a pars defect, especially if the defect has led to abnormal movement and stress on the facet joints.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Spinal infection (e.g., osteomyelitis, discitis): These conditions can cause lumbar pain and may be associated with a pars defect, especially if the defect has become infected.
- Spinal tumor: A tumor in the spine can cause lumbar pain and may be associated with a pars defect, especially if the tumor has weakened the bone and led to a fracture.
- Cauda equina syndrome: This condition occurs when the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, often due to a herniated disc or other lesion. It can cause lumbar pain, as well as numbness, weakness, and bowel or bladder dysfunction.
- Rare diagnoses
- Scheuermann's disease: This condition is a rare form of kyphosis that can cause lumbar pain and may be associated with a pars defect.
- Spinal dysraphism: This condition refers to a group of congenital anomalies that can cause lumbar pain and may be associated with a pars defect.