Which finding on the stork standing test is most consistent with pars interarticularis stress injury?

Which finding on the stork standing test is most consistent with pars interarticularis stress injury?

• A. Worsening pain with foot dorsiflexion
• B. Bilateral lower back pain during extension
• C. No pain on either side
• D. Localized pain on the weight-bearing side during lumbar extension

Answer: (D)

The stork standing test targets pars interarticularis stress injuries (spondylolysis) by loading the spine in a single-leg stance with lumbar extension. In a stress injury, the pars on the side bearing weight is stressed by the combination of extension and axial load. That typically produces a focal, unilateral pain localized to the pars interarticularis on the weight-bearing side when the patient stands on that leg and extends the back. This pattern distinguishes pars injuries from other causes of back pain, such as generalized extension-related pain or pain that is bilateral or non-localized. So localized pain on the weight-bearing side during lumbar extension best fits pars interarticularis stress injury.

The stork standing test targets pars interarticularis stress injuries (spondylolysis) by loading the spine in a single-leg stance with lumbar extension. In a stress injury, the pars on the side bearing weight is stressed by the combination of extension and axial load. That typically produces a focal, unilateral pain localized to the pars interarticularis on the weight-bearing side when the patient stands on that leg and extends the back. This pattern distinguishes pars injuries from other causes of back pain, such as generalized extension-related pain or pain that is bilateral or non-localized. So localized pain on the weight-bearing side during lumbar extension best fits pars interarticularis stress injury.