Pronounced: spon-dee-low-lie-sis
Spondylolysis is a stress fracture. It occurs in a part of the vertebrae (spinal bone). The pars interarticularis is a portion of the bone between the facets. There is a right and left section.
This condition occurs in the lower back. About 90% of the time it is in the lower back. It can fracture on one or both sides (bilateral). Left untreated, it can lead to spondylolisthesis. This is a more serious condition. The vertebra slips forward on the one below it. Both conditions can cause back pain.
This fracture is the most common cause of back pain in adolescent athletes.
Spondylolysis can be caused by:
Factors that increase the chance of spondylolysis:
Symptoms may include:
Many people have no symptoms at all.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
If you have no symptoms, no treatment is needed.
If you have symptoms, treatment may include:
Do not do athletic activities for several weeks to several months. In general, this restriction should last until the symptoms are gone.
Your doctor may suggest that you wear a back brace. This will help relieve pain. About 4-6 weeks of bracing may be needed. The brace should limit extension of the lower (lumbar) spine.
To relieve the pain and prevent recurrences, a physical therapist can teach you:
The doctor may give you medications for pain relief.
Surgery may be needed if:
To reduce your risk of getting spondylolysis:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Healthy Living Unit
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
American Medical Association.
Bono CM. Low-back pain in athletes. Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery - American Volume . 2004;86-A(2):382-96.
Eddy D. Congeni J. Loud K. A review of spine injuries and return to play. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine . 2005;15(6):453-8.
Herman MJ. Pizzutillo PD. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in the child and adolescent: a new classification. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research . 2005;(434):46-54.
Low-risk stress fractures. American Journal of Sports Medicine . 2001 Jan.
Peer KS. Fascione JM. Spondylolysis: a review and treatment approach. Orthopaedic Nursing . 2007;26(2):104-11.
Sakai T. Yamada H. Nakamura T. Nanamori K. Kawasaki Y. Hanaoka N. Nakamura E. Uchida K. Goel VK. Vishnubhotla L. Sairyo K. Lumbar spinal disorders in patients with athetoid cerebral palsy: a clinical and biomechanical study. Spine . 2006;31(3):E66-70.
Last reviewed February 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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