ABSTRACT
CRITICAL POINTS Must Know ◾ Isthmic spondylolysis is a bony defect at the level of the pars interarticularis. ◾ It is a common source of back pain in children and adults. ◾ The first line of therapy is conservative. ◾ If pain persists, surgical options include arthrodesis with or without instrumentation, or direct pars defect repair.
