Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Diagnosis

Spondylolisthesis
I had my MRI and xray on my back today and the diagnosis is above. I believe it is pronounced spon-dee-low-lis-thee-sis. Anyway, I am going to get a cortisone shot in my back tomorrow to stop the pain for now and then we'll see if that works. Then I'll need to continue to strengthen and stretch. If that doesn't work (I can get the shot 3x) then surgery will be next....so I'm hoping the shots work. Below is some info. I found online....feel free to read or not....it is mostly for my mom! :)
"The most common cause of low back pain in adolescent athletes that can be seen on X-ray is a stress fracture in one of the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spinal column. Technically, this condition is called spondylolysis (spon-dee-low-lye-sis). It usually affects the fifth lumbar vertebra in the lower back and, much less commonly, the fourth lumbar vertebra. If the stress fracture weakens the bone so much that it is unable to maintain its proper position, the vertebra can start to shift out of place. This condition is called spondylolisthesis (spon-dee-low-lis-thee-sis). If too much slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves and surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.
X-rays of the lower back (lumbar) spine will show the position of the vertebra.
The pars interarticularis is a portion of the lumbar spine. It joins together the upper and lower joints. The pars is normal in the vast majority of children.
(mine is the one on the right) Left, The pars interarticularis is found in the posteior portion of the vertebra. Center, Spondylolisis occurs when there is a fracture of the pars portion of the vertebra. Right, Spondylolisthesis occurs when the vertebra shifts forward due to instability from the pars defect. (Courtesy of John Killian, MD, Birmingham, AL)
If the fracture gap at the pars widens and the vertebra shifts forward, then the condition is called spondylolisthesis. Usually, the fifth lumbar vertebra shifts forward on the part of the pelvic bone called the sacrum. The doctor measures standing lateral spine X-rays. This determines the amount of forward slippage.

3 comments:

Amy said...

sorry to hear this. i hope the shot helps you. i'll be thinking of you. i hope your not in too much pain.

Ryan said...

ouch

Anonymous said...

Hi there... I was just googling pars defect and I came across your page. I was diagnosed with this issue in 2001. But I also noticed you're pregnancy counter... I was just wondering if the doctor said anything about child-bearing with your diagnosis. I am terrified to ask about it because I haven't had a check up in about 6 years but I'm going in for one soon. Just wondering if you had any info. =]