Spondylolysis

  • Usually is caused by repetitive stress to the back → commonly seen in gymnastics, basketball, football, rowing, diving, downhill skiing, or weightlifting

  • Spondylolysis → stress fracture through the pars interarticularis (pars fracture)

    • Pars: small portion of the vertebra that connects the upper and lower facet joints

      • Weakest portion of the vertebra → susceptible to injury 

    • Most commonly occurs in the 5th vertebra of the spine 

  • Spondylolisthesis → Anterior portion of the vertebra slips out of alignment due to prior stress fracture (spondylolysis)

    • The slippage most often occurs during periods of rapid growth 

    • Can also be congenital

  • Both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are more likely to occur in the younger population that participate in sports that require overstretching (hyperextension)

    • Repetitive hyperextension can weaken the pars interarticularis leading to fracture and/or slippage 

  • Signs/symptoms:

    • Lower back pain feeling like 

      • Muscle strain 

      • Pain may radiate to the butt/back of thighs

      • Back stiffness

      • Hamstring stiffness

    • Worsens with activity, improves with rest 

    • Pain with back extension and rotation

  • Diagnosed with X-Rays