Pelvic incidence effects pars interarticularis defect and spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Aims: Pars interarticularis defect (PID) is a common problem in society and may be accompanied with low back pain and radiculopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect it with high sensitivity. If left untreated, it may progress to spondylolisthesis. In this study, we wanted to emphasize the importance of the pelvic incidence (PI) angle in terms of following the development of spondylolisthesis after PID by examining the relationship between PID and spondylolisthesis and PI. Methods: 118 patients who applied to Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital between 2021-2022 and underwent lumbar MRI were included in the study. The criteria for inclusion of patients in the study were the detection of a pars interarticularis defect on MRI, the ability to be evaluated by direct radiography or CT, and the ability to monitor the femoral head and sacrum in a way that PI could be measured. PI angle measurement was performed, confirmed by CT. The relationship between PID, spondylolisthesis and PI was examined. Results: Of the 118 patients participating in the study, 77 (65.3%) were women and 41 (34.7%) were men. Pars defect was most commonly seen at the L5 level (67.8%). The average pelvic incidence angle is 64.2±8.6. Half of the patients were calculated as Meyerding grade 0 and 95.8% were treated medically. The median pelvic incidence angle value of patients without spondylolisthesis was found to be 58.0, the median pelvic incidence angle value of patients with a Meyerding grading of one was found to be 68.0, and the median value of the pelvic incidence angle of patients with a Meyerding grading of one was found to be 78.0 (p