A Review of Treatment for Acute and Chronic Pars Fractures in the Lumbar Spine.

Recent data has provided more information on how pars defect laterality, stage, and presence or absence of bone marrow edema impact healing potential. Other studies have highlighted the advantages of using MRI for spondylolysis diagnosis. Other data has provided more clarity on which adults may benefit from direct pars repair, while other studies have compared the various techniques for direct repair of pars defects. While the exact cause of spondylolysis remains unclear, there is growing understanding of the behavioral, genetic, and biomechanical risk factors that predispose individuals to the condition. MRI may be emerging as the advanced imaging modality of choice for diagnosis due to its lack of radiation and comparable sensitivity to other advanced imaging techniques. Conservative treatment remains the first step in management due to excellent outcomes in most patients, with surgical intervention rarely necessary. In patients that do require surgery, direct repair using a pedicle screw-based approach is preferred over spinal fusion and other direct repair techniques.