Spondylolysis
Pronounced: spon-dee-low-lie-sis
Definition
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
Causes
Spondylolysis can be caused by:
- A congenital defect in the spine (usually appears a few years after birth)
- Acute trauma to the back
- Chronic overextension (bending backwards) with or without sidebending of the back (common in certain sports and activities)
- Hamstring tightness or muscle imbalance
- Degenerative conditions of the spine
- Cerebral palsy —less common
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the chance of spondylolysis:
-
Playing sports such as:
- Gymnastics
- Football, especially the offensive line
- Diving
- Wrestling
- Weightlifting
- Improper athletic or exercise technique
- Adolescent growth spurt
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Pain across the lower back
- Spasms in the back and hamstring muscles
- Pain radiating down the leg
Many people have no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
- X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of the spine to look for defects and/or fractures
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of bony structures inside the back
- Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)—a very sensitive test
- MRI scan —a test that uses a very strong magnetic field and radio waves to make pictures of both soft tissue and bony structures inside the back
Treatment
If you have no symptoms, no treatment is needed.
If you have symptoms, treatment may include:
Exercise Restriction
Do not do athletic activities for several weeks to several months. In general, this restriction should last until the symptoms are gone.
Back Brace
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.
Physical Therapy
To relieve the pain and prevent recurrences, a physical therapist can teach you:
- Exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, which stabilize the spine
- Proper exercise and sports techniques to help prevent overuse and further injury
- Hamstring stretches (very important)
Medication
The doctor may give you medications for pain relief.
Surgery
Surgery may be needed if:
- There is injury to the nerve
- There is high-grade spondylolisthesis (more than 50% slippage)
- Medication, rest, activity modification, and physical therapy don't relieve the pain
- Decompressive laminectomy — removal of excess bone and tissue that is putting pressure on the spinal nerves
- Spinal fusion—fusing together of the two involved vertebrae to prevent further slippage of the vertebra
Prevention
To reduce your risk of getting spondylolysis:
- Limit participation in certain sports to a reasonable amount. This will help prevent overuse injury.
- Keep the abdominal and back muscles strong and the hamstring muscles supple.
- Use proper equipment for your sport.
- Warm up properly before exercising or playing sports.
- Learn proper techniques for exercise and athletic activities.
- Seek medical care for chronic back pain. Early vertebral stress fractures, particularly in adolescents and young adults, may heal with rest.
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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