Spondylolysis: The Role of the Posterior Elements in Resisting the Intervertebral Compressive Force

Abstract

Compressive tests were carried out on cadaveric lumbar intervertebral joints, before and after the neural arch was fractured. The results show that although the neural arch can play some part in resisting the intervertebral compressive force, there is no bony contact between the downward projecting tips of the inferior articular processes and the laminae of the vertebra below.

Key Words:

• spondylolysis
• neural arch
• lumbar vertebrae
• intervertebral joint