Presentation and Diagnosis of Spondylolysis.

Spondylolysis is a defect of the pars interarticularis resulting from developmental or acquired stress. It is a common injury in children, and while most patients are asymptomatic, spondylolysis may also lead to significant back pain. There should be an index of clinical suspicion for patients presenting to the emergency department with back pain, and various radiographic modalities can be used for diagnosis, with referral to ongoing and definitive treatment.