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Spondylolysis in the adolescent athlete
1Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA. kimh@hss.edu
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Spondylolysis is a common cause of back pain in adolescent athletes. While MRI shows promise for diagnosis, its superiority over traditional methods requires further study, and brace use for activity modification remains controversial.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Spondylolysis frequently causes back pain in adolescent athletes.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for optimal outcomes.
- This review focuses on the presentation, diagnosis, and management of spondylolysis in this specific population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the typical presentation of spondylolysis in adolescent athletes.
- To discuss current controversies in the diagnosis and management of this condition.
- To aid pediatricians in clinical decision-making for adolescent athletes with spondylolysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on spondylolysis in adolescent athletes.
- Analysis of diagnostic imaging techniques, including SPECT, CT, and MRI.
- Evaluation of management strategies, including bracing and activity modification.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic imaging algorithms for spondylolysis are debated.
- SPECT offers sensitivity but lacks specificity; CT visualizes bone but involves radiation.
- MRI shows potential for diagnosis and follow-up with possible advantages over conventional methods.
- Brace use is controversial, likely aiding activity restriction rather than direct healing.
Conclusions:
- Spondylolysis is a prevalent issue in adolescent athletes.
- MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool, but further research is needed to confirm its superiority.
- Bracing is recommended for activity modification, though its efficacy in healing spondylolysis is uncertain.
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