Abstract
Incidence of pars defect associated with idiopathic scoliosis has been reported as 6% based on roentgenographic evaluation in previous studies. (Fisk et al, 1978). We aim to present our results in an MRI based study.
Methods: 229 patients of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who had an MRI scan over a period of three years (2006–2008), performed either as a preoperative investigation or due to other symptoms were reviewed. All MRI scans were reviewed by two experienced musculoskeletal radiology consultants independently.
Results: Among 229 patients 18 (7.86%) patients were found to have pars defect. Mean age-group of patients were (19 years, range-11–40). Male -5 (27.7%), female- 13(72.2%). There was varying severity of curve patterns, major thoracic curve-10, major lumbar curve-4, mild thoracic curve-3 and mild lumbar curve in one. Bilateral pars defect was noted in 14 (77.8%) patients.
Discussion: Previous studies (Fisk et al, 1978; Mau H 1977) have described the incidence of pars defect as approximately 6.2%. Recent studies have emphasized use of MRI to diagnose pars defect based on signal changes in the pedicle (Sairyo et al, 2009). Our study reveals the incidence of pars defect in AIS to be 7.86 % based on MRI diagnosis which does not seem to be different to previous roentgenographic studies.
Conflicts of Interest: none
Source of Funding: none
Correspondence should be addressed to: SBPR at the Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE, England.
