"Pediculolysis is a stress fracture, often arising in the setting of contralateral spondylolysis, which redistributes load to the intact pedicle. Post-laminectomy instability may also predispose to pedicular stress fracture due to altered biomechanics 1,2."
"Oppenheimer ossicle"
Expected headings
"Signal characteristics"
"Lumbar spine x-rays may demonstrate a pedicular cleft, sclerosis, or hypertrophy at the fracture site; however, sensitivity is limited, particularly in early or subtle cases 1,2."
"T1: hypointense fracture line; hypointense surrounding oedema 1,2"
"T2: hypointense fracture line, if displaced, defect may be filled with fluid signal; hyperintense oedema surrounding 1,2"
"Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of instability or persistent symptoms; options include pedicular screw fixation, decompression, or bone grafting 1,2."
"CT is the best modality to demonstrate the characterising pedicular defects, typically appearing as linear lucencies with sclerotic margins, with or without hypertrophic callus. Contralateral pedicle or pars defects may coexist 1,2."
"Treatment is often conservative, with rest, bracing and physical therapy. This may be sufficient to lead to healing 1,2."