Pars interarticularis

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The pars interarticularis is the part of vertebra located between the inferior and superior articular processes of the facet joint.^[1] In the transverse plane, it lies between the lamina and pedicle. It is abnormal in spondylolysis, either due to fracture or congenitally.^[2]

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, its ear the superior articular facet and its forelegs the inferior articular facet.^[4]

[edit] See also

• Terms for anatomical location
• Spondylolysis

The pars interarticularis, sometimes referred to as pars for short, is the part of vertebra located between the inferior and superior articular processes of the facet joint.[1] In the transverse plane, it lies between the lamina and pedicle. It is abnormal in spondylolysis, either due to fracture or congenitally.[2]

[edit] References

1. ^ Pars interarticularis. Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?keyword=Pars+interarticularis. Accessed on: April 9, 2007.
2. ^ Spondylolysis. Stedman's Medical Dictionary. URL: http://www.emedicine.com/asp/dictionary.asp?keyword=spondylolysis. Accessed on: April 14, 2007.
3. ^ 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. 
4. ^ Capobianco JD. OMM Board Review. Available at: [1]. Accessed on: April 9, 2007.

[edit] External links

• The Scottie dog and spondylolysis - meded.uscd.edu.