Adolescent Spondylolysis: Management and Return to Play

Abstract

The most common causes of low back pain in adolescents are spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Mechanical factors combined with rapid growth during adolescence place stress on the spine and can result in a stress fracture. Sports that require athletes to repeatedly place the spine in hyperextension may exacerbate both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Many adolescent athletes with spondylolysis or low-grade spondylolisthesis have minimal symptoms and require no treatment or alteration in activity, including sports activity. For adolescents with spondylolysis or low-grade spondylolisthesis who have symptoms, nonsurgical treatment with activity restrictions and a structured rehabilitation program can help in return to most sports. Surgical treatment may be required for patients who have symptoms that are unresponsive to nonsurgical treatment and patients who have grade III or grade IV spondylolisthesis. Treatment and return to competitive sports must be individualized based on the severity and symptoms of the disease in each patient.