What is Spondylolysis? What Age are You Vulnerable? What Sports Cause It?

Spondylolysis is a back stress fracture. It is a common causes of structural back pain in children, adolescents and active young adults. Spondylolysis is a non-displaced stress fracture of a spinal vertebra, also known as a pars stress fracture.

A spondylolysis in a child or adolescent most commonly results from a defect or stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra. The pars interarticularis is the part of the vertebra between the superior and inferior facets.

Approximately 90-95% of cases of spondylolysis occur at the L5 vertebral level. The stress lesion usually completely heals. In about 25% of cases where fracture nonunion occurs, a fibrous mesh connective tissue is laid down rather than bone.

Spondylolysis is classified as dysplasic (congenital - born with eg spina bifida occulta), isthmic (stress fracture from sport), degenerative (older adults - arthritis related), or traumatic. The majority are isthmic.

If your spondylolysis deteriorates and allows the vertebral body to slip forwards, it is known as a spondylolisthesis. This occurs in about 50% of cases. A spondylolisthesis is more common in individuals with bilateral spondylolysis, mechanical instability and females.

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