Possible pars defect?

[crashdummie59]

I have been having back pain for 10 months. The pain is not bad and easily managable (knock on wood) but my back is weak and interfering with my lifestyle. I have been to numerous PT, chiro's and doctors with no diagnoses or help.

I'm hoping someone with look at my x-rays for me and tell me whether I might have a pars defect or not? If you think or dont think I have a pars defect, how sure are you? Heres the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39804134@N04/

I know the positioning of the L5-S1 is still very good.

Thank you very much

Brandon

[crashdummie59]

Thank you very much kitty. I do just that.

[kittyluv1]

It is possible that a pars defect is identifiable on x-ray exam if the angle from which the film was taken provides enough clarity to distinguish any visible defect.  If none is readily identifiable on x-ray, but the pars defect is suspected, additional imaging studies such as a CT scan may provide a better picture through the serial sections obtained.

It would depend on whether the doctor feels that the possibility of a pars defect exists and needs additional imaging to confirm the diagnosis.

See what your doctor says about your current films and proceed from there.  Glad that your pain is manageable, but if you are having difficulty performing your usual activity, a definitive diagnosis would be helpful in determining the best treatment options.

[crashdummie59]

Thank you very much for the reply.

Yea I'm going back to my doctor tomorrow to ask about the report. Is it possible that the radiologists would not look for that?

[kittyluv1]

Unfortunately there are no medical doctors or radiologists participating in this forum at this time.  X-ray interpretation is not a skill any of the members of this forum have as this community is primarily to provide support in managing identified problems with the neck and/or back.

Did you receive a copy of the radiologist's report?  If a pars defect existed, it would probably be documented as such.  The best suggestion is to discuss the x-ray results/films with your treating doctor and obtain recommendations regarding treatment.

Hopefully your questions will be answered in full.