Procedure Description
A pars defect injection is a precise, image-guided procedure used to diagnose and treat low back pain caused by a defect or stress fracture in the pars interarticularis—a thin portion of the vertebra that connects the upper and lower facet joints. This condition, known as spondylolysis, is common in young athletes and individuals with repetitive spine extension or trauma.
The procedure involves injecting a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid directly at the site of the pars defect to reduce inflammation, confirm the pain source, and relieve symptoms.
What It Treats
Pars defect injections are used to manage:
Spondylolysis (a stress fracture or congenital defect in the pars interarticularis)
Chronic low back pain, especially in adolescents or athletes
Pain with hyperextension or spinal loading
Persistent pain despite physical therapy or conservative care
Diagnostic confirmation of pain origin before further treatment (e.g., surgery or ablation)
Common symptoms include localized low back pain, often worsened by extension, rotation, or athletic activity, but typically without leg pain.
How It Is Performed
You will lie face down on a procedure table.
The lower back is cleansed and sterilized, and the injection area is numbed with a local anesthetic.
Using fluoroscopy (X-ray) or CT guidance, your provider inserts a thin needle into the pars defect.
A small amount of contrast dye may be used to confirm proper placement.
A mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is slowly injected into the defect site.
The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes and is done in an outpatient setting.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure if sedation is planned.
You may be asked to pause blood thinners or certain medications—follow your provider’s instructions.
Inform your provider if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have allergies to local anesthetics, contrast dye, or steroids
Have an active infection or uncontrolled medical condition
Arrange for a driver if sedation is used.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Immediate relief may occur due to the anesthetic; steroid effects typically take 2–5 days to reach full effect.
Relief may last several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the injury and your activity level.
Mild soreness, bruising, or discomfort at the injection site may occur and typically resolves within a few days.
Your provider may use the response to this injection to help determine next steps in your treatment, such as repeat injections, physical therapy, or consideration of minimally invasive stabilization.
You may resume light activities the same day, but avoid strenuous exercise or bending/twisting for 24–48 hours.
Call your provider if you experience:
Fever, chills, or signs of infection
New numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control (rare)
Worsening pain that is not typical of post-procedure discomfort
Specialized Relief for Stress Fractures in the Spine
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer pars defect injections to help patients—especially active individuals—recover from chronic low back pain caused by spondylolysis. This targeted, image-guided approach can confirm the diagnosis and relieve symptoms, helping you return to the activities you love.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to find out if a pars defect injection is right for your spine condition.