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The pars defect as a pain source. A histologic study
G A Schneiderman1, R F McLain, M F Hambly
1Northern California Spine and Rehabilitation, Sacramento, USA.
Spine
|August 15, 1995
Summary
Nerve endings were found in pars defect tissue from patients with spondylolysis. This suggests the pars defect may cause back pain in some individuals.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Histopathology
- Pain research
Background:
- The origin of back pain in spondylolysis is unclear.
- The pars interarticularis defect is a potential pain generator.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of nociceptive nerve endings in the pars defect of patients with symptomatic spondylolysis.
Main Methods:
- Histologic examination of pars defect tissue from six adult patients.
- Modified gold chloride staining for neural elements.
- Light microscopy analysis.
Main Results:
- Neural elements were identified in all examined specimens.
- Nociceptive free nerve endings were present in all samples.
- Varied neural element density observed across specimens.
Conclusions:
- The presence of neural elements, including nociceptive nerve endings, in pars defect tissue indicates a potential source of pain.
- This finding supports the pars defect as a contributor to back pain in symptomatic spondylolysis.