Although many pars lesions heal of their own accord and do not cause any further issues, established pars defects can cause problems later in life. Pain-related to the pars defects may persist, and if bilateral, progression to an isthmic spondylolisthesis (slip) may occur, with premature disc degeneration and associated back pain and nerve compression.
Pars stress reactions and acute pars fractures have the potential to resolve/ heal if treated in a brace. The primary determinant is the presence of significant bone oedema in the pars.
Initiate Treatment
Is there evidence of bone marrow oedema with a ratio above 1.5?