Lumbar isthmic defects in teenagers resulting from stress fractures.
BACKGROUND
An accepted classification of spondylolysis exists. However, etiology remains controversial. There are several reports supporting acquired stress fractures in the etiology of this condition, although radiographic evidence of an acquired fracture in a given individual is very rare.


OBJECTIVE
To present evidence of development of pars defects during the teenage years.


METHODS
Retrospective review of charts.


METHODS
Two case studies.


METHODS
Charts and X-rays were reviewed to look for radiographic evidence of development of pars defects in patients who were ultimately found to have spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.


RESULTS
Two cases were found that demonstrated development of a pars fracture. Both patients had radiographic evidence that these fractures developed during their teenage years. Both were active individuals with a consistent level of participation in athletics.


CONCLUSIONS
Although development of pars defects may be multifactorial, these two cases support the concept that these fractures can be acquired lesions resulting from repetitive stress injury. They also demonstrate that isthmic defects can arise in teenagers, in these cases in an athletic population.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Charles A
CA
Reitman
Stanley D
SD
Gertzbein
William R
WR
Francis
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000209:etiology*; D013169:Spondylolysis / Q000209:etiology*