[Sports and Spondylolysis: Chances and Limits]

Spondylolysis is a unilateral or bilateral defect of the interarticular region of a vertebra, most commonly in the lumbar spine. This pathology occurs frequently in young athletes and leads to spondylolisthesis in 75% of cases. Athletically active patients generally wish to continue their sports activity. This article aims to present literature-based recommendations and our personal experience regarding sports participation in children and adolescents suffering from spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. We conclude that sports participation is possible despite spondylolysis in individuals of growing age. However, sports involving repetitive hyperextension and rotational loading under maximal stress should initially be avoided. A conservative treatment approach is recommended as a first step. If this approach fails, surgical treatment should be considered. According to the literature and our experience, most athletes return to sport after both conservative and surgical treatment, often at the level achieved prior to diagnosis.