title: Lumbar spondylolysis in the adolescent athlete.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spondylolysis is a common occurrence for adolescent athletes who have low back pain. The injury involves a defect in the pars interarticularis, occurring as a result of repeated hyperextension and rotation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical findings might include tightness of the hip flexors and hamstrings, weakness of the abdominals and gluteals, and an excessive lordotic posture. The validity of several clinical tests were compared alongside magnetic resonance imaging, but were not able to distinguish spondylolysis from other causes of low back pain. Medical referral should be arranged so that medical imaging and diagnostic testing can be completed to insure a proper diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Initial intervention includes rest from sport, which may vary from 2 weeks to 6 months. Bracing is also used to help minimize lumbar lordosis and lumbar extension. Exercises that focus on stabilization and spine neutral position should be incorporated in physical therapy intervention. Avoiding end ranges is important while performing exercises to minimize the translational and rotational stresses on the spine. Surgical interventions have also been recommended for athletes who have had persistent low back pain for more than six months with no relief from rest and bracing.
authors.affiliation: Tennessee State University, Department of Physical Therapy, 3500 John A Merritt Blvd., Nashville, TN37209, United States. Electronic address: Klawren2@tnstate.edu.
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Lawrence
authors.affiliation: Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Beacon West Physical Therapy, 6480, Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati, United States. Electronic address: telser@fuse.net.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Elser
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Sports Rehabilitation, 4602 East Park Blvd., Madison, WI, 53718, United States. Electronic address: strombergryan@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stromberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes; D001915:Braces; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012146:Rest; D000068958:Return to Sport; D013169:Spondylolysis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Adolescent; Athlete; Lumbar spine; Spondylolysis