Orthopaedics · Skeletal System · Hard
Spondylolysis
Meaning: A stress defect or fracture in the pars interarticularis of a vertebra, common in young athletes.
In practice: The teenage gymnast's extension-based back pain was caused by bilateral L5 spondylolysis.
Word parts
- spondyl- means vertebra
- -lysis means breaking down
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related orthopaedics words.
Which word means: The collarbone connecting the shoulder blade to the sternum.
Answer: Clavicle
Which word means: A congenital condition in which two or more fingers or toes are fused or webbed together.
Answer: Syndactyly
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