“Pars” usually refers to the pars interarticularis , a small segment of bone in the back part of a vertebra in the spine.
Basic definition
- The pars interarticularis is the strip of bone that connects the upper and lower facet joints (articular processes) of each vertebra.
- These thin bony “bridges” help link one vertebra to the next and allow the spine to move and flex while staying stable.
Medical relevance
- Stress fractures of this bone are called pars fractures or pars defects , and this specific injury is known as spondylolysis.
- Pars fractures most often occur in the lower back (especially at L5) and are common in young athletes who repeatedly arch or extend their backs, such as gymnasts or football linemen.
If you meant a different “pars” (for example in prescriptions or in another context), say which context and more detail can be added.
