Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What condition is associated with pars interarticularis defect?

1. Spondylolysis

2. Facet joint pathology

3. Herniated disc

4. Spinal stenosis

The correct answer is: Spondylolysis

A pars interarticularis defect, commonly referred to as spondylolysis, occurs when there is a fracture or defect in the bony structure connecting the superior and inferior articular processes of the vertebra. This condition is particularly prevalent in the lumbar region, especially in adolescents and young adults who engage in sports that require hyperextension of the back, such as gymnastics or football. When a defect is present in the pars interarticularis, it can lead to instability in the vertebral segment and may progress to spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over another. The diagnosis is typically confirmed with imaging studies like X-rays or MRI, which can show the defect clearly. While facet joint pathology, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis are common spinal conditions, they do not specifically relate to a defect in the pars interarticularis. Facet joint issues arise from degeneration or injury to the facet joints, herniated discs involve displacement of the intervertebral disc material, and spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. None of these directly pertains to the specific defect in the pars interarticularis that characterizes spondylolysis.