title: Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in the child and adolescent athlete.
abstract: Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are common causes of low back pain in the competitive athlete. Repetitive loading of the lumbar spine results in stress reactions and spondylytic defects of the pars interarticularis. Spondylolysis and lesser degrees of spondylolisthesis frequently respond to activity restrictions, bracing (in specific situations), and physiotherapy. Spinal fusion is indicated for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis that remain painful despite nonoperative measures and progressive, high-grade spondylolisthesis. Return-to-play guidelines are made for each athlete individually based on his or her specific diagnosis, response to treatment, and sporting activity.
authors.affiliation: St. Christopher Hospital for Children, Erie Avenue at Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, USA. Martin1.Herman@tenethealth.com
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Herman
authors.forename: Peter D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Pizzutillo
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cavalier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D013169:Spondylolysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy