Nonoperative treatment of active spondylolysis in elite athletes with normal X-ray findings: literature review and results of conservative treatment

Anatomical Parameters of Percutaneous, Minimally Invasive, Direct Intralaminar Pars Screw Fixation of Spondylolysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anatomical parameters of the ideal screw trajectory for percutaneous intralaminar screw fixation of a pars defect in lumbar spondylolysis using computed tomography scans.

METHODS

Using advanced radiological software, the ideal intralaminar screw trajectory was determined. The anatomical parameters of this trajectory were analyzed using a total of 80 single-level lumbar tomography scans in patients with spondylolysis at the lumbar 4 vertebrae and lumbar 5 vertebrae levels. The ideal intralaminar screw trajectory started from the inferolateral edge of the lamina and was between the intralaminar region, pars defect, and defective pars neck and pedicle. Along this trajectory, the skin-lamina distance, intralaminar screw length, isthmic lamina length and width, defective pars neck width, lateral entry distance of the screw to the center of the spinous process, and sagittal and coronal screw application angles were analyzed.

RESULTS

When comparing the lumbar 4 vertebrae and lumbar 5 vertebrae parameters, the mean skin-to-lamina distances were 11-9 cm (P = 0.000), intralaminar screw lengths 3.5-3.6 cm (P = 0.067), isthmic lamina lengths 2-2 cm (P = 0.698), mid-lamina widths 1-1 cm (P = 0.941), defective pars neck widths 1-1 cm (P = 0.674), screw lateral entry distances according to the spinous process 1-1.5 cm (P = 0.000), sagittal screw angles 45°-45° (P = 0.870), and coronal screw angles 10°-20° (P = 0.000), respectively. There were no differences based on age and gender (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous intralaminar rigid screw fixation of a pars defect in spondylolysis provides minimally invasive, low-profile instrumentation. In spondylolysis, a screw length of 3-4 cm and a screw diameter of 4-5 mm may be sufficient for pars fixation with intralaminar screws.

Rate and Duration of Bone Union for Conservative Treatment in Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE

To report the detailed bone fusion rates and duration of treatment in unilateral and bilateral cases of pediatric lumbar spondylolysis (LS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Early diagnosis and optimal conservative management for LS are crucial for achieving bony healing without surgery. However, existing research on the conservative treatment of pediatric LS, particularly regarding bone union rates and treatment duration for each stage of bilateral spondylolysis, is limited.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 590 pediatric patients (522 boys and 68 girls) under 18 years of age diagnosed with LS and treated conservatively from 2015 to 2021. The diagnosis was based on computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging findings, with stages classified as very early, early, progressive, or terminal. Patient background, sports history, level and stage of spondylolysis, presence of spina bifida occulta, bone union rate, duration of conservative treatment, and recurrence rate were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall bone union rate was 81.9%, with a mean conservative treatment duration of 53.7 days. Unilateral LS cases showed decreased bone union rates with stage advancement (very early; 98.2%, early; 96.0%, progressive; 64.3%). Bilateral LS cases with progressive or terminal stage demonstrated low bone union rates (very early/very early; 100%, early/very early; 94.1%, progressive/very early; 66.7%, early/early; 82.9%, progressive/early; 32.3%, progressive/progressive; 23.7%, very early/terminal; 0%, early/terminal; 50.0%, progressive/terminal; 11.1%). The duration of conservative treatment extended as the stage of the main and contralateral lesions progressed, ranging from 39.1 days (very early/none) to 105 days (progressive/terminal). The recurrence rate after bone fusion was 16.6%, with no differences based on lesion stage.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of 590 patients, conservative treatment yielded high bone union rates for pediatric LS. However, union rates decreased with stage advancement, especially in bilateral cases. These findings provide valuable insights for prognosticating natural history and outcome regarding LS treatment, bone union, and return to activity.

Return to Play Criteria After Adult Lumbar Spinal Fractures: A Review of Current Literature and Expert Recommendations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Understanding the management of lumbar spinal fractures and return to play (RTP) criteria is an essential component of care for adult athletes. Appropriate management of lumbar spinal fractures must balance minimizing time away from physical activity while also minimizing risk of reinjury. The purpose of this review is to summarize current recommendations on lumbar spinal fracture management and RTP guidelines and to provide expert opinion on areas of discrepancy in the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a paucity of high-level evidence on the management and return to play criteria for adult lumbar spine fractures in athletes. Much of the data and recommendations are based on expert opinion and studies in pediatric or osteoporotic patients, which may not be applicable to adult athletes. These data presented here may be used to aid patient-physician conversations and provide guidance on expectations for patients, coaches, and athletic trainers. In general, we recommend that patients be free of lumbar pain, neurologically intact, and have full strength and motion of the lumbar spine and lower extremities before returning to play. Adequate protective equipment is recommended to be worn at all times during practice and play.

The Spine is the Tree of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Radiographic Findings Related to Spinal Injuries in Athletes

This review article explores spinal injuries in athletes participating in various sporting activities. It also highlights the various mechanisms of injuries that contribute to spinal injuries in each sport. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE Ovid, and Google Scholar were searched for articles from 2000 to 2022 on spine injuries in sports and radiological studies discussing the various injury patterns among athletes. Studies were scoured in accordance with the inclusion criteria, and relevant data such as the number of participants, sporting activities, spine injuries, and outcomes were retrieved. Fifteen articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Cervical spine injuries are common in athletes who participate in contact sports such as football. Similarly, athletes in collision sports such as football, rugby, and hockey are likely to suffer stingers due to traction and compression injuries. Players engaged in such as soccer, baseball, and swimming, are likely to suffer from spondylolysis. Soccer players are more prone to multiple lesions compared to athletes in sports such as baseball because the sport involves training exercises such as jogging and running without kicking any ball. In swimmers, spondylolysis is common in breaststroke and butterfly styles since they involve repeated flexion and hyperextension of the lumbar spine. CT is essential for diagnosing spondylolysis as it demonstrates the lesions more accurately. Ice hockey is associated with a significant incidence of cervical spine injuries, mostly due to players being constantly checked/pushed from behind. Spine injuries are common in elite athletes across several sports. About 10% of spinal injuries in the United States result from sports activities. In diagnosing spine injuries, imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, or plain radiographs are essential. From a radiologist's perspective, these tests help immensely in deciding which treatment is required for a particular athlete or how the injury can be optimally managed. Achieving recovery from a specific spine injury usually depends on the kind of injury and the rehabilitation process the athletes undergo before returning to play.

Long-term CT follow-up of patients with lumbar spondylolysis reveals low rate of spontaneous bone fusion

OBJECTIVES

Knowledge about the long-term outcome of patients with lumbar spondylolysis (LS) is limited. This study assessed the frequency of bone fusion in conservatively treated lumbar spondylolysis with photon counting detector computed tomography.

METHODS

Patients with lumbar spondylolysis diagnosed with CT or MRI were prospectively enrolled and underwent CT 5-10 years after initial imaging. Image assessment included evaluation of Meyerding grade, listhesis size, measurement of the lysis gap, and disc integrity on the lysis level. Comparisons were made between bone fusion as the primary endpoint and sex, body mass index, age at diagnosis, follow-up interval, size of listhesis, Meyerding grade, size of the lysis gap, sports activity, and presence of pain.

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients (26.0 ± 3.1 years, 15 female) with lumbar spondylolysis on 41 levels were included after a mean follow-up period of 9.1 ± 2.2 years. Nine patients (22.0%, four female) showed complete fusion of the lysis gap. Patients with bone fusion of the lysis gap had a significantly lower Meyerding grade (p = 0.01), smaller size of the listhesis (p = 0.019), and smaller anterior and posterior lysis gap size (p = 0.046 and p = 0.011, respectively). Unilateral lyses showed significantly higher fusion rates than bilateral lyses (40.0% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.01). No statistically significant difference was found for pain at follow-up between patients with and without bone fusion (p = 0.253).

CONCLUSION

Bone fusion occurred in about a fifth of conservatively treated lumbar spondylolysis after a follow-up period of 9 years. Factors associated with a successful fusion were a lower Meyerding grade, minimal listhesis, and a small lysis gap.

Direct Repair of Symptomatic Lumbar Spondylolysis Using Rod-Screw-Cable System

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of a new direct lysis repair technique using internal fixation with rod, screws, and Songer cable in symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis.

METHODS

Between December 2015 and January 2020, patients who were diagnosed with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis and surgically treated with a rod-screw-cable system were recruited. Pedicle screwing by the Magerl technique was performed in all included patients, followed by direct lysis repair with bone allograft and demineralized bone matrix by stabilizing the posterior lamina and spinous process using a rod-screw-cable system. Clinical outcome was measured using the visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index preoperatively and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were included in this study-11 men and 5 women (mean age: 47 years; range, 26-67 years). The lytic defects were at L4 and L5 in 6 and 10 patients, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 41 months (24-62 months). The visual analog scale values were 7.3, 6.1, 4.3, 3.3, 2.1, and 1.9 preoperatively and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, respectively. The Oswestry disability index values were 59.8%, 55.4%, 41.7%, 32.4%, 21.1%, and 16.9% for the same periods, respectively. No patient had an increase in the slip after surgery. There were no significant complications such as implant failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique provides rigid intra-segmental repair of spondylolysis without intersegmental motion interference, even if the patient is older or has disc degeneration.

Return to Play, Performance, and Earnings Analysis After Lumbar Disc Herniation in National Hockey League Players

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

Professional hockey players have a high incidence of lumbar disc herniations (LDH). The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of LDH on the performance and financial earnings of National Hockey League (NHL) players.

METHODS

NHL players who sustained a LDH were retrospectively reviewed utilizing an online database and a 2:1 matched control cohort. Player performance and game usage was compared at one- and three-season(s) pre- and post-injury season within the cohorts. Injured and matched players were divided into 3 groups based on the player's adjusted index season salary.

RESULTS

A total of 181 players were included, with 62 LDH players matched to 119 healthy controls. Return to play after LDH was 79%. The LDH cohort had fewer seasons played throughout their career compared to the matched group (12.5 ± 4.3 vs 14.2 ± 3.8; P = .031). At 1 season post-index, the LDH cohort had significantly fewer goals per 60 and points per 60 when compared to pre-index. At 3 seasons post-index, the LDH cohort exhibited a significant decline in time-on-ice per game played, goals per 60, and points per 60 compared to pre-index.

CONCLUSION

The majority of NHL players who sustained a LDH returned to play (79%) but had shorter careers overall and decreased performance outcomes when compared to matched cohorts at both 1 and 3 seasons post-injury.

Swimming Anatomy and Lower Back Injuries in Competitive Swimmers: A Narrative Review

CONTEXT

Competitive swimmers are at high risk of overuse musculoskeletal injuries due to their high training volumes. Spine injuries are the second most common musculoskeletal injury in swimmers and are often a result of the combination of improper technique, high loads on the spine in strokes that require hyperextension, and repetitive overuse leading to fatigue of the supporting trunk muscles. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding swimming biomechanics, stroke techniques, and common injuries in the lumbar spine to promote a discussion on the prevention and rehabilitation of lower back injuries in competitive swimmers.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

From a PUBMED/MEDLINE search, 16 articles were identified for inclusion using the search terms "swimming," "low back" or "lumbar," and "injury" or "injuries."

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Levels 4 and 5.

RESULTS

The trunk muscles are integral to swimming stroke biomechanics. In freestyle and backstroke, the body roll generated by the paraspinal and abdominal muscles is integral to efficient stroke mechanics by allowing synergistic movements of the upper and lower extremities. In butterfly and breaststroke, the undulating wave like motion of the dolphin kick requires dynamic engagement of the core to generate repetitive flexion and extension of the spine and is a common mechanism for hyperextension injuries. The most common lower back injuries in swimming were determined to be lumbar strain, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, facet joint pain, and disc disease. Most overuse swimming injuries can be treated conservatively with physical therapy and training adjustments.

CONCLUSION

Managing swimmers with low back pain requires a basic knowledge of swimming technique and a focus on prevention-based care. Since most swimming injuries are secondary to overuse, it is important for providers to understand the mechanisms underlying the swimming injury, including an understanding of the biomechanics involved in swimming and the role of spine involvement in the 4 strokes that assist in stabilization and force generation in the water. Knowledge of the biomechanics involved in swimming and the significant demands placed on the spinal musculoskeletal system will aid the clinician in the diagnosis and management of injuries and assist in the development of a proper rehabilitation program aimed at correction of any abnormal swimming mechanics, treatment of pain, and future injury prevention.

STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATIONS

B. Recommendation based on limited quality or inconsistent patient-oriented evidence.

Factors associated with return to play following conservative treatment for lumbar spondylolysis among young athletes: A retrospective case series using structural equation modeling

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar spondylolysis is the most common underlying cause of lower back pain (LBP) in young athletes. Conservative treatment methods are often used to reduce pain and promote healing. Several parameters may affect the duration of conservative treatment, such as the time to return to play (RTP), patient behavior, and physical parameters; however, no study has comprehensively assessed the factors that affect the time to RTP.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the time required for RTP among young athletes with early-stage spondylolysis receiving conservative treatment using structural equation modeling (SEM).

METHODS

In this retrospective case series, 137 young athletes (128 males and 9 females, aged 9-18 years) with early-stage lumbar spondylolysis were enrolled. All patients were examined using plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging and treated conservatively (sports cessation, wearing a corset, therapeutic exercises, and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound radiation). SEM was used to investigate the factors affecting the time to RTP in these patients.

RESULTS

The final model included the following factors: spondylolysis laterality, symptom duration, lower-extremity flexibility, treatment interval, patient adherence, and residual LBP. SEM revealed that patient adherence to physician orders (p < 0.01), treatment interval (p < 0.001), and spondylolysis laterality (p < 0.001) contributed directly to shortened RTP.

CONCLUSION

Patient adherence is essential for reducing the time to RTP among young athletes receiving conservative treatment for early-stage spondylolysis.

Utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent patients

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the utility of the Doppler effect on ultrasonography for the diagnosis of very early- and early-stage lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent patients.

METHODS

In total, 76 adolescent patients with acute and subacute low back pain were prospectively enrolled, with 46 having lumbar spondylolysis and the remaining 30 having low back pain without spondylolysis. MRI and/or computed tomograms scans revealed very early- and early-stage lumbar spondylolysis. Furthermore, positive Doppler findings in ultrasonography around the area from the facet joint to the laminae were investigated.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age (p > 0.99) and body mass index (p = 0.11) between cases with and without spondylolysis. Very early- and early-stage spondylolysis were observed in 27.6% and 72.4% of patients, respectively. Positive power Doppler was 91.3% and 33.3% in cases with and without spondylolysis, respectively, which was significantly higher in spondylolysis (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of this positive power Doppler were 91.4% and 66.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the rate of positive power Doppler was significantly higher in early-stage spondylolysis (p = 0.02), with 75.0% and 97.6% sensitivity in very early- and early-stage spondylolysis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive Doppler effect on ultrasonography is effective for screening very early- and early-stage spondylolysis in adolescent patients in an outpatient clinic.

Elastic Lumbar Support Versus Rigid Thoracolumbar Orthosis for Acute Pediatric Spondylolysis: A Prospective Controlled Study

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study on clinical, radiographic, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in children with acute spondylolysis treated with a rigid thoracolumbar orthosis or with an elastic lumbar support.

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes of pediatric spondylosysis treated with a hard brace or an elastic lumbar support.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The benefits of the use of a rigid orthosis in treatment of spondylolysis are not clear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven consecutive children with acute spondylolysis (mean age: 14.1 yr, range: 9-17 yr) were prospectively enrolled. Patients were treated with a rigid thoracolumbar orthosis (Boston brace) or with a low-profile, elastic lumbar support. First 14 patients were randomized the remaining 43 chose brace type themselves. Treatment period was four months. Treatment outcomes included bony union of the spondylolysis assessed with a computed tomography at four months and HRQoL using the Scoliosis Research Society-24 outcome questionnaire filled out before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 57 patients, 54 completed the treatment protocol. Twenty-nine patients were treated using the Boston brace and 25 patients the elastic lumbar support. Bony union was obtained in 69.0% (20/29) of the Boston brace and in 60.0% (15/25) of the elastic lumbar support group patients. Difference in union rates was not significant (relative risk=1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.44-2.98, P =0.785). There was no difference in the Scoliosis Research Society-24 total or domain scores at the end of follow-up between the treatment groups ( P >0.159 for all comparisons). In the whole cohort, the bony union did not predict better HRQoL in the end of the treatment ( P =0.869), although the pain domain improved significantly in the whole cohort ( P <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A rigid thoracolumbar orthosis did not provide any benefits over an elastic lumbar support in terms of bony union or HRQoL outcomes in children with acute spondylolysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDEN

2.

Spondylolysis

Spondylolysis is a bony defect of the pars interarticularis and most often results from repetitive stress. Although spondylolysis is usually asymptomatic, symptomatic spondylolysis is the most common cause of identifiable back pain in children and adolescent athletes. A thorough history and physical exam, as well as appropriate imaging studies are helpful in diagnosis. General first-ine therapy for spondylolysis is conservative and consists of rest from sports, core strengthening, as well as spinal bracing. Patients who have failed conservative therapy may consider surgical repair. This article aims to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment options of spondylolysis.

Conservative treatment of spondylolysis involving exercise initiated early and sports activities resumed with a lumbar-sacral brace

BACKGROUND

Conservative treatment including the use of a brace and cessation of sports activities is known to be effective in spondylolysis. However, there is some controversy regarding [1] the type of brace, and [2] the endpoint for bracing, and [3] the timing of resumption of sports activities. The aim of the current study was to investigate the appropriateness of early exercise and resumption of sports activities with a lumbar-sacral brace in very early- and early-stage lumbar spondylolysis.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 45 patients with very early- and early-stage lumbar spondylolysis. A lumbar-sacral brace, structured to be a hard brace in the back and a mesh brace in the front, was used. Isometric exercises/stretching was started immediately after the initial visit. The number of patients for whom bone fusion was fully achieved on CT and the disappearance of signal intensity change on MRI were investigated.

RESULTS

In 12 cases of very early-stage spondylolysis, the average elapsed time until signal intensity disappearance as confirmed on MRI was 4.3 ± 1.6 months. Bony union on CT was confirmed in all cases. In 33 cases of early spondylolysis, signal intensity change disappeared on MRI within 5.2 ± 2.4 months. The rate of bony union was 94.3%, and the average period required to achieve bony union observable on CT was 3.7 ± 1.0 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Sufficient bony union can be achieved by conservative treatment with early exercise and a lumbar-sacral brace in cases of very early and early spondylolysis.

Physical characteristics of patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis who have recurrent low back pain after returning to sports

INTRODUCTION

To determine the physical characteristics of patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis (LS) who have recurrent low back pain after returning to sports.

METHOD

Fifty-three adolescent patients with symptomatic LS participated in this study. Patients with symptomatic LS were assessed for flexibility, trunk muscle strength, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score, and then divided into two groups according to the degree of pain experienced one month after returning to sport.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients returned to their pre-injury sports level without pain (excellent group), while the remaining 29 patients had pain and decreased activity level during sports (pain group). The excellent group had a significantly higher shoulder mobility score on the FMS than the pain group, and the effect size was larger. However, there were no significant differences in body flexibility, muscle tightness, trunk muscle strength, or other FMS items.

DISCUSSION

The most important finding of this study is that patients with LS who have recurrent low back pain after returning to sports are characterized by poor functional upper body movement.

CONCLUSIONS

Because upper body functional movement pattern may be an important factor in the management of patients with symptomatic LS, preventive rehabilitation to enhance upper body mobility and motor control should be considered for these patients.

Lumbar spondylolysis - Current concepts review

Lumbar pars interarticularis (PI) injury or spondylolysis occurs only in humans. This represents a stress fracture of the PI. Excessive loading in repetitive hyperextension is a significant risk factor and occurs most commonly at L5 followed by L4. It is bilateral in 80% of symptomatic cases but can be unilateral defect as well which runs a more benign course. Symptoms of low back pain relating to this lesion are more common in young athletes involved in trunk twisting sports. Like other stress fractures, the pain may come on abruptly or more insidiously over time and only related to certain activities. The pathologic progression starts with a stress reaction in the pars, progressing to an incomplete stress fracture, and then a complete pars fracture. Diagnosis is dependent on clinical examination and radiological imaging studies (plain radiography, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans). Treatment is dependent on symptoms as well as radiographic stage of the lesion. Conservative management is the mainstay of treating early lesions. A comprehensive rehabilitation program incorporates core spinal stabilization exercises. Athletes should not return to sports until pain free. Professional sporting individuals are at increased risk of failure of resolution of symptoms that may require early surgical repair of the PI defect. Modified Buck's technique & pedicle screw-hook constructs for direct repair has a high success rate in patients who have persistent low back pain. Minimally invasive lumbar pars defect repair has given similar successful outcome with added advantage of minimizing muscle injury, preserving the adjacent joint and reduced hospital stay. Functional outcome is evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Preoperative ODI and SF-36 physical component scores (PCS) are significant predictor of a good functional outcome.

Immediate functional progression program in adolescent athletes with a spondylolysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the preliminary evidence for the efficacy and safety of an immediate functional progression program to treat adolescent athletes with an active spondylolysis.

DESIGN

Prospective single-arm trial.

SETTING

Hospital-based sports medicine and physical therapy clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Twelve adolescent athletes (14.2 ± 2 years, 25% female) with an active spondylolysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical outcomes included time out of sport, Micheli Functional Scale (Function and Pain) and adverse reactions. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at baseline and 3 months to confirm diagnosis and assess healing of lesion.

RESULTS

Eleven participants (92%) fully returned to sport in a median time of 2.5 months (75 days; interquartile range 55 days, 85 days). All participants demonstrated marked improvements in pain and function by the end of the program. One participant (8%) had an adverse reaction during care with a significant recurrence of LBP and had not returned to sport by 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated improvement of the spondylolytic lesion in all but one participant.

CONCLUSION

The immediate functional progression program appears a viable method for treating active spondylolysis and warrants future research.

Lumbosacral Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Repetitive stress on the lumbosacral spine during sporting activity places the athletic patient at risk of developing symptomatic pars defect. Clinical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging are important to distinguish spondylolysis from other causes of lower back pain. Early pars stress reaction can be identified with advanced imaging, before the development of cortical fracture or vertebral slip progression to spondylolisthesis. Conservative management is first-line for low-grade injury with surgical intervention indicated for refractory symptoms, severe spondylolisthesis, or considerable neurologic deficit. Prompt diagnosis and management of spondylolysis leads to good outcomes and return to competition for most athletes.

Axial Low Back Pain in Elite Athletes

Back pain in sport is a common complaint and seen by athletes, trainers, and treating physicians. Although there are a multitude of pain generators, mechanical sources are most common. Certain sports can lead to increased mechanical and axial loading, such as competitive weightlifting and football. Common mechanical causes of pain include disk herniation and spondylolysis. Patients typically respond to early identification and conservative treatment. In others, surgical intervention is required to provide stability and prevent long-term sequelae.

Adolescents with spondylolysis have lower SRS-22 scores than controls and peers with pre-operative idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

The Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire (SRS-22) is a health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) tool for scoliosis patients. Since no equivalent questionnaire exists for spondylolysis patients, we characterized patient-reported scores in pediatric spondylolysis patients using the SRS-22, and compared these scores to previously published values for age-matched controls and patients with pre-operative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS

A single-institution cross-sectional observational study was performed using SRS-22 data from spondylolysis patients aged 12-18 years. Mean SRS-22 domain scores were compared to the existing literature values for adolescent control and AIS cohorts via unpaired Student t tests (α = 0.05) and against minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs).

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients met inclusion criteria. Mean (± SD) spondylolysis patients' scores met the MCID across all domains except Mental Health (α= 0.05). Spondylolysis patient scores for Pain, Function, and Self-Image were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than AIS patients (Pain; 2.99 ± 0.66 vs 4.14 ± 0.79; Function; 3.81 ± 0.61 vs 4.09 ± 0.54; Self-Image; 3.45 ± 0.70 vs 3.80 ± 0.68).

CONCLUSION

The adolescent spondylolysis population has clinically significantly lower SRS-22 scores compared to age-matched controls and AIS patients, suggesting that the SRS-22 questionnaire should be given to this population to assess patients' HRQL. Further research is needed to assess the utility of the SRS-22 in measuring treatment effects.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

CONSIDERATION OF SPORT DEMANDS FOR AN 18-YEAR-OLD LACROSSE PLAYER WITH RECALCITRANT SYMPTOMATIC SPONDYLOLYSIS: A CASE REPORT

Background and Purpose

Spondylolysis is an anatomical defect or fracture of the pars interarticularis and encompasses almost half of all cases of low back pain in adolescent athletes. Most athletes return to sport with conservative treatment, but it is possible that consideration of sport demands may further improve rate of successful return. When surgery is performed, complication rate is high, so all conservative measures should be explored before considering surgical intervention. The purpose of this case report is to present a program where demands of sport were considered and allowed successful return to sport for a subject with recalcitrant symptomatic spondylolysis that had failed to respond to prior treatment.

Case Description

An 18-year-old lacrosse player with a history of recalcitrant symptomatic spondylolysis that failed three courses of conservative treatment and had been unsuccessful in returning to sport. A multi-phase program with a focus on multi-planar and full kinetic chain activities that addressed the nature of the sport demands is described, along with improvements in pain level, strength, range of motion, and subjective outcome scores.

Outcomes

The subject was able to successfully return to sport after 10 weeks of physical therapy and complete the remaining few months of his lacrosse season without reinjury. Range of motion and strength testing was markedly improved upon discharge. The subject's Modified Oswestry Disability Index improved from 16% to 0% and his pain level did not rise above 2/10 with any sport activity upon return.

Discussion/Conclusions

Although return to sport rates following spondylolysis in young athletes is high, this case report demonstrates that a consideration of sport demands may increase return to sport rates in athletes that do not respond to standard care and prevent surgical intervention.

Level of Evidence

Level 4, single case report.

Epidemiology, Treatment, and Performance-Based Outcomes in American Professional Baseball Players With Symptomatic Spondylolysis and Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

BACKGROUND

Repetitive lumbar hyperextension and rotation during athletic activity affect the structural integrity of the lumbar spine. While many sports have been associated with an increased risk of developing a pars defect, few previous studies have systematically investigated spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in professional baseball players.

PURPOSE

To characterize the epidemiology and treatment of symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis and isthmic spondylolisthesis in American professional baseball players. We also sought to report the return-to-play (RTP) and performance-based outcomes associated with the diagnosis of a pars defect in this elite athlete population.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive epidemiology study.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among all Major and Minor League Baseball (MLB and MiLB, respectively) players who had low back pain and underwent lumbar spine imaging between 2011 and 2016. Players with radiological evidence of a pars defect (with or without listhesis) were included. Analyses were conducted to assess the association between player-specific characteristics and RTP time. Baseball performance metrics were also compared before and after the injury episode to determine whether there was an association between the diagnosis of a pars defect and diminished player performance.

RESULTS

During the study period of 6 MLB seasons, 272 professional baseball players had low back pain and underwent lumbar spine imaging. Overall, 75 of these athletes (27.6%) received a diagnosis of pars defect. All affected athletes except one (98.7%) successfully returned to professional baseball, with a median RTP time of 51 days. Players with spondylolisthesis returned to play faster than those with spondylolysis, MLB athletes returned faster than MiLB athletes, and position players returned faster than pitchers. Athletes with a diagnosed pars defect did not show a significant decline in performance after returning to competition after their injury episode.

CONCLUSION

Lumbar pars defects were a common cause of low back pain in American professional baseball players. The vast majority of affected athletes were able to return to competition without demonstrating a significant decline in baseball performance.

REHABILITATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR SPONDYLOLYSIS IN THE YOUTH ATHLETE

Low back pain in adolescent athletes is quite common, and an isthmic spondylolysis is the most common identifiable cause. Spondylolysis, a bone stress injury of the pars interarticularis, typically presents as focal low back pain which worsens with activity, particularly with back extension movements. Research on spondylolysis has focused on diagnosis, radiographic healing, the effects of bracing, and rest from activity. Although physical therapy is frequently recommended for adolescent athletes with spondylolysis, there have been no randomized controlled trials investigating rehabilitation. Additionally, there are no detailed descriptions of physical therapy care for adolescent athletes with spondylolysis. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to provide a brief background regarding the pathology of isthmic spondylolysis and provide a detailed description of a proposed plan for physical therapy management of spondylolysis in adolescent athletes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

The Incidence of Pars Interarticularis Defects in Athletes

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a literature review of studies reporting the incidence of pars interarticularis defects in athletes of specific sports, in order to allow more targeted prevention and treatment strategies to be implemented for the groups at highest risk.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed using PubMed, Ovid Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials from their dates of inception to September 2017, with the following keywords: "spondylolysis," "sports," "low back pain," and "pars defects."

RESULTS

A total of 509 total articles were retrieved, of which 114 were used in the final review. The incidence of pars interarticularis defects was found to be highest in diving (35.38%), cricket (31.97%), baseball/softball (26.91%), rugby (22.22%), weightlifting (19.49%), sailing (17.18%), table tennis (15.63%), and wrestling (14.74%). Only 5 studies reported the management instituted for their participants, and these were all case reports. Of 74 players with spondylolysis in these studies, 70 (94.59%) underwent conservative treatment and 4 (5.41%) underwent surgical treatment. 61 (82.43%) returned to their previous level of play, 6 (8.11%) retired, and the disposition of the final 7 was not reported.

CONCLUSION

The current medical literature provides good evidence that the incidence of pars interarticularis defects is higher in the athletic population, with the highest incidence in diving. There remains no gold standard protocol for the management of pars interarticularis defects. Further research is required to compare conservative therapy to surgical therapy and to compare the various surgical techniques to each other.

Spondylolysis in Young Athletes: An Overview Emphasizing Nonoperative Management

Lumbar spondylolysis is a unilateral or bilateral defect of the pars interarticularis, an isthmus of bone connecting the superior and inferior facet surfaces in the lumbar spine at a given level. Spondylolysis is common in young athletes participating in sports, particularly those requiring repetitive hyperextension movements. The majority of young athletes are able to return to full sport participation following accurate diagnosis and conservative management, including a structured treatment program. Surgical intervention for isolated pars injuries is seldom necessary. A progressive physical therapy (PT) program is an important component of recovery after sustaining an acute pars fracture. However, there is a paucity of literature detailing PT programs specific to spondylolysis. Here, we provide an overview of the epidemiology, natural history, radiographic evaluation, and management of pars fractures in young athletes. In addition, a detailed description of a physiotherapy program for this population that was developed at a spine center within an academic medical center is provided.

Radiographic Outcomes of Immobilization using Boston Brace for Pediatric Spondylolysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Spondylolysis is a common cause of lower back pain during youth. The aim of this study is to report the bony union rate and risk factors for non-union of the lumbar spondylolysis of pediatric patients treated with a rigid thoracolumbosacral orthosis (Boston brace).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 68 children (mean age = 13.9 years) treated for spondylolysis with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis. Patient charts and imaging studies were evaluated to identify the bony union rate of the spondylolysis after a minimum of 3 months of immobilization (mean = 4.2 months). Laterality, grade, level, and presence of high signal intensity in the magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated as prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients presented with 110 defects. Of them, 46 (42%) were incomplete fractures, 38 (35%) complete fractures, and 26 (24%) pseudoarthrosis. Of these defects, 38 (82.6%), 11 (28.9%), and 0 (0.0%) had bony union at the end of the treatment (p < 0.001). Unilateral defects healed significantly better than bilateral ones (relative risk = 1.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-2.54, 17/26 (65%) vs 32/84 (38%), p = 0.014). High signal intensity in the magnetic resonance images before the treatment predicted healing (relative risk = 13.24, 95% confidence interval = 1.93-91.01, 48/87 (55%) vs 1/24 (4.3%), p < 0.001). The level of the spondylolysis (L5 vs above L5) did not affect the healing rate.

CONCLUSION

The union rates of spondylolysis with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis were similar as compared to earlier studies done with a low thoracolumbosacral orthosis. The grade of the defect, laterality, and presence of high signal intensity increased the probability of bony union. A high thoracolumbosacral orthosis (underarm) does not seem to improve the healing rate of pediatric spondylolysis defects.

What Type of Orthosis is Optimal for Conservative Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolysis?: A Biomechanical Analysis

Introduction

To analyze the extent to which various types of orthoses can restrict motion of the lumbar spine and provide basic evidence regarding the optimal orthosis for conservative treatment of lumbar spondylolysis (LS), particularly. Although several orthoses have been developed and applied for LS with better outcomes for bony healing, basic data regarding which is optimal are still lacking.

Methods

Ten healthy voluntary participants were included in this study. Lumbar spine range of motion (ROM) was analyzed using a three-dimensional motion capture system (NEXUS 2.2, Vicon Motion Systems Ltd., UK) under five conditions wearing no orthosis (NB) and four types of lumbar-sacral orthoses (LSO): custom-made hard LSO (HO), soft LSO supported by four aluminum stays and a custom-molded back cast-panel named "Return to Sports" braces (RS), custom-made soft LSO known as Damen type elasticity corset (DC), and off-the-shelf soft LSO.

Results

HO showed the highest restriction of motion in all directions than the others. Especially, ROM of rotation and side bending were reduced to 58.3% and 63.6% compared with NB, respectively. The other three LSOs showed significantly higher restriction in extension, rotation, and side bending than NB. In flexion and side bending, DC showed significantly higher restriction than NB.

Conclusions

HO showed high restriction in all directions. RS showed higher restriction in extension than NB and less restriction in flexion and side bending than other custom-made LSOs. DC was the only soft LSO showing higher restriction than NB in flexion.

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Early-Stage Lumbar Spondylolysis in Young Athletes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on early-stage spondylolysis in young athletes.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

A single outpatient orthopedic and sports clinic.

PATIENTS

A total of 82 young athletes (80 boys and 2 girls; mean age, 14.8 years; range, 10-18 years) with early-stage lumbar spondylolysis were enrolled in this study. All patients were examined by plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received either standard conservative treatment combined with LIPUS (n = 35) or without LIPUS (n = 47), according to the sequence of admission. The standard conservative treatment included thoracolumbosacral brace, sports modification, and therapeutic exercise.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The time required to return to previous sports activities was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier methods with the log-rank test.

RESULTS

The baseline parameters of both groups were not significantly different. The median time to return to previous sports activities was 61 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 58-69 days] in the group treated with LIPUS, which was significantly shorter than that of the group treated without LIPUS (167 days, 95% CI: 135-263 days; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that LIPUS combined with conservative treatment for early-stage lumbar spondylolysis in young athletes could be a useful therapy for quick return to playing sports.

Return to play after conservative and surgical treatment in athletes with spondylolysis: A systematic review

PURPOSE

Analyze the return to sports rate and timing after conservative and surgical treatment in athletes with spondylolysis.

METHODS

Comprehensive search using Pubmed, Cochrane Library and SPORTDiscus databases to identify English language studies that assessed the return to sports after conservative or surgical treatment of symptomatic spondylolysis in athletes. The main outcome of interest was the return to sports rate and timing, as well as, the follow-up clinical and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 14 trials (592 participants) were included. Eight and seven studies reported the outcomes of conservative and surgical approach, respectively. A total of 92% (n = 492) and 88% (n = 100) of athletes return to sports at any level, and 89% (n = 185) and 81% (n = 103) returned to their pre-injury level of sports for conservative and surgical approaches, respectively. The time to return to sports was 4.6 and 6.8 months for conservative and surgical approaches, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management (bracing, sports modification and physiotherapy) of athletes with spondylolysis show excellent return to sports rates at any level and at the pre-injury level at a mean of 4.6 months. Those who fail the conservative treatment can be successfully managed with surgical treatment with a high rate of return to sports at 6.8 months.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Systematic review of level IV studies.

Diagnosis of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Is Delayed Six Months After Seeing Nonorthopedic Providers

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective single center.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to quantify the time to diagnosis of spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis in symptomatic patients after first seeking medical care.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Several studies have found a high prevalence of pars defects in adolescent athletes with back pain, up to 47%. A review by the Scoliosis Research Society Evidence-Based Medicine Committee reports that both nonsurgical and surgical treatment of symptomatic spondylolysis effectively relieves pain and allows most patients to return to activities. Nonoperative treatment outcomes improve with early diagnosis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients presenting at our institution between 2005 and 2015 with symptomatic spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis with radiographic confirmation. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, date of symptom onset, date of initial presentation to a health care provider, type of provider, and date of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Average patient age was 14 years (range: 6-19 years). Forty-one percent (19/46) of patients had spondylolysis, and 59% (27/46) of patients had spondylolisthesis. Of those with spondylolisthesis, 20 had grade I, 4 had grade II, 2 had grade III, and 1 had grade IV slips. The average time between onset of symptoms and initial presentation was 24 weeks (orthopedic: 21 weeks, nonorthopedic: 29 weeks, unknown: 18 weeks; p = .26). The average delay between initial presentation to a health care provider and diagnosis was 15 weeks. Time from initial presentation to diagnosis was 1 week for orthopedic surgeons, 25 weeks for nonorthopedic providers, and 10 weeks for unknown providers; this difference was significant (p = .02).

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis was significantly longer after seeing a nonorthopedic versus an orthopedic provider. Education of primary care providers on this topic is warranted. Children suffering from back pain from spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis may benefit from early referral to an orthopedic surgeon.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

MRI bone marrow oedema precedes lumbar bone stress injury diagnosis in junior elite cricket fast bowlers

OBJECTIVES

Lumbar bone stress injury ('bone stress injury') is common in junior fast bowlers. The repetitive loading of cricket fast bowling may cause bone marrow oedema (BMO), detectable on MRI, before the bowler suffers from symptomatic bone stress injury. We investigated the temporal relationship between BMO, bone stress injury, along with bowling workload correlates, in elite junior fast bowlers throughout a cricket season.

METHODS

65 junior fast bowlers were prospectively monitored for one 8-month cricket season. For research purposes, participants had up to six MRI scans at set times in the season; findings were withheld from them and their clinicians. Standard practices for bowling workload monitoring and injury diagnosis were followed.

RESULTS

15 (23%) participants developed bone stress injury during the study. All 15 of these participants had BMO detected on at least one of the preceding MRI scans, including the scan immediately prior to diagnosis. The risk of BMO progressing to bone stress injury during the season was greatest for participants with BMO present 2 weeks prior to the national championship tournament (period of high load) (RR=18.9, OR=44.8). Both bone stress injury and BMO were associated with bowling a higher percentage of days in training and having a shorter bowling break during the season. The number of balls bowled and acute-to-chronic workload were not associated with imaging abnormalities or injury.

CONCLUSION

The presence of BMO on MRI in asymptomatic junior cricket fast bowlers confers a very high risk for bone stress injury. The risk may be managed by MRI screening and monitoring bowling frequency.

Efficacy and outcome predictors of fluoroscopy-guided facet joint injection for spondylolysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided facet joint injection for symptomatic spondylolysis and to analyze the outcome predictors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 108 patients who underwent fluoroscopy-guided facet joint steroid injection for symptomatic spondylolysis with follow-up medical records from January 2013 to December 2016. Among them, 47 patients underwent concomitant epidural steroid injection. Response to injection was assessed at the initial follow-up. The symptom-free interval was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Outcome predictors were statistically analyzed using independent t test and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

The facet joint injection was effective in 52 of 108 (48.1%) patients at initial follow-up. Recurrence was reported in 21 of these 52 (40.4%) patients. For the 52 patients in whom facet joint injection was effective, the median symptom-free interval was 298 days (95% confidence interval, 29-567 days). No significant difference was found in the response between the group with facet joint injection only (n = 61) and the group with facet joint injection and additional ESI (n = 47). Additionally, no significant outcome predictors were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluoroscopy-guided facet joint injection may potentially be an effective therapy for providing prolonged pain relief and avoiding unnecessary surgery for symptomatic spondylolysis without significant outcome predictors.

Return to Play in Adolescent Athletes With Symptomatic Spondylolysis Without Listhesis: A Meta-Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess return to play (RTP) rates in adolescent athletes with lumbar spondylolysis without spondylolisthesis treated conservatively or operatively.

METHODS

A review of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Reviews was performed. The pooled results were performed by calculating the effect size based on the logit event rate. Studies were weighted by the inverse of the variance. Confidence intervals were reported at 95%. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I² value.

RESULTS

The initial literature search resulted in 724 articles, of which 29 were deemed relevant on abstract review. Overall, 11 studies provided data for 376 patients with a pars interarticularis defect. Return to athletic competition, based on logit event rate, was found to be statistically favored after both nonoperative and operative treatment (92.2% vs 90.3%). There was no heterogeneity noted among the studies reporting nonoperative treatment (Q value of 4.99 and I² value of 0). There was mild heterogeneity within the operative studies (Q value of 3.54 and I² value of 15.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent athletes RTP 92.2% of the time with nonoperative management, compared with 90.3% when treated operatively, though both treatment groups strongly favor RTP. As this is the first study to pool results of all relevant literature, it provides strong evidence to guide decision making and help manage expectations in this unique patient population.

Contralateral Spondylolysis and Fracture of the Lumbar Pedicle in a Young Athlete

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical case report of unilateral pedicular stress fracture with a contralateral spondylolysis in a male high-school athlete presenting with low back pain.

OBJECTIVE

To report this uncommon cause of low back pain in an adolescent athlete, and review the relevant literature.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The incidence of spondylolysis in the Caucasian population was found to be about 3% to 6%. This number is probably higher in the athletic adolescent age group, with reports ranging from 8% to 15%. Spondylolysis may be associated with pedicle fracture, usually on the contralateral side. This is an uncommon phenomenon that is not well described in the adolescent age group.

METHODS

A 16-year-old male athlete presents with low back pain and limitation in sports as well as in daily activities. Clinical evaluation was suspicious for, and radiographic evaluation revealed left-sided L5 spondylolysis as well as contralateral L5 pedicle fracture. Conservative management included Boston Overlapping brace, external electrical stimulation, modification of activities, and a comprehensive physical therapy program.

RESULTS

Radiological evaluation revealed persistent left L5 pars defect and advanced healing of the contralateral pedicle fracture. The patient achieved complete pain relief and returned to varsity level sporting activity.

CONCLUSION

Complete radiographic and clinical healing of the pedicle defect was observed, with return competitive varsity-level football without symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Minimally invasive direct pars repair with cannulated screws and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein: case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the use of a minimally invasive surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolysis in athletes by a fluoroscopically guided direct pars screw placement with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein–2 (rhBMP-2) and to report on clinical and radiographic outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients treated surgically for lumbar spondylolysis via a minimally invasive direct pars repair with cannulated screws. Demographic information, clinical features of presentation, perioperative and intraoperative radiographic imaging, and postoperative data were collected. A 1-cm midline incision was performed for the placement of bilateral pars screws utilizing biplanar fluoroscopy, followed by placement of a fully threaded 4.0-mm-diameter titanium cannulated screw. A tubular table-mounted retractor was utilized for direct pars fracture visualization and debridement through a separate incision. The now-visualized pars fracture could then be decorticated, with care taken not to damage the titanium screw when using a high-speed drill. Local bone obtained from the curettage was then placed in the defect with 1.05 mg rhBMP-2 divided equally between the bilateral pars defects.

RESULTS

Nine patients were identified (mean age 17.7 ± 3.42 years, range 14–25 years; 6 male and 3 female). All patients had bilateral pars fractures of L-4 (n = 4) or L-5 (n = 5). The mean duration of preoperative symptoms was 17.22 ± 13.2 months (range 9–48 months). The mean operative duration was 189 ± 29 minutes (range 151–228 minutes). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 17.5 ± 10 ml (range 10–30 ml). Radiographic follow-up was available in all cases; the mean length of time from surgery to the most recent imaging study was 30.8 ± 23.3 months (range 3–59 months). The mean hospital length of stay was 1.13 ± 0.35 days (range 1–2 days). There were no intraoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar spondylolysis treatment with a minimally invasive direct pars repair is a safe and technically feasible option that minimizes muscle and soft-tissue dissection, which may particularly benefit adolescent patients with a desire to return to a high level of physical activity.

Spinal Fusion for Pediatric Spondylolisthesis: National Trends, Complications, and Short-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Current surgical management guidelines for pediatric spondylolisthesis (PS) are reliant on data from single-center cohorts.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze national trends and predictors of short-term outcomes in spinal fusion surgery for PS by performing a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID).

METHODS

The KID (sampled every 3 yr) was queried from 2003 to 2012 to identify all cases (age 5-17) of spinal fusion for PS (n = 2646). We analyzed trends in patient characteristics, surgical management, and short-term outcomes. Both univariate and multivariable analyses were utilized.

RESULTS

The 2646 spinal fusions for PS included posterior-only fusions (86.8%, PSF), anterior lumbar interbody fusions (4.8%, ALIF), and combined anterior and posterior fusions (8.4%, APLF) procedures. The utilization of APLF decreased over time (9.9%-6.4%, P = .023), whereas the number of total spinal fusions and the proportion of PSF and ALIF procedures have not changed significantly. Uptrends in Medicaid insured individuals (1.2%-18.9%), recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 insertion (8.8%-16.6%), decompression (34.7%-42.8%), and mean inflation-adjusted hospital costs ($21 855-$32 085) were identified (all P &lt; .001). In multivariable analysis, Medicaid status (odds ratio [OR] = 1.93, P = .004), teaching hospitals (OR = 1.94, P = .01), decompression (OR = 1.78, P = .004), and the APLF procedure (OR = 2.47, P = .001) increased the likelihood of complication occurrence (all P &lt; .001).

CONCLUSION

The addition of decompression during fusion and the APLF procedure were associated with more in-hospital complications, though this may have been indicative of greater surgical complexity. The utilization of the APLF procedure has decreased significantly, while costs associated with the treatment of PS have increased over time.

Management of Lumbar Conditions in the Elite Athlete

Lumbar disk herniation, degenerative disk disease, and spondylolysis are the most prevalent lumbar conditions that result in missed playing time. Lumbar disk herniation has a good prognosis. After recovery from injury, professional athletes return to play 82% of the time. Surgical management of lumbar disk herniation has been shown to be a viable option in athletes in whom nonsurgical measures have failed. Degenerative disk disease is predominately genetic but may be accelerated in athletes secondary to increased physiologic loading. Nonsurgical management is the standard of care for lumbar degenerative disk disease in the elite athlete. Spondylolysis is more common in adolescent athletes with back pain than in adult athletes. Nonsurgical management of spondylolysis is typically successful. However, if surgery is required, fusion or direct pars repair can allow the patient to return to sports.

Timing of Physical Therapy Referral in Adolescent Athletes With Acute Spondylolysis: A Retrospective Chart Review

OBJECTIVES

The purposes of this study were (1) to determine whether the duration of rest before referral to physical therapy (PT) affects the time to make a full return to activity for patients with an acute spondylolysis, (2) to assess the safety of an early referral to PT in patients with an acute spondylolysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Hospital-based sports medicine clinic.

PATIENTS

The medical charts of 196 adolescent athletes (mean age = 14.3 ± 1.8 years) with an acute spondylolytic injury met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

Patients were subgrouped based on physician referral to PT.

PATTERNS

An aggressive referral group (<10 weeks) and a conservative referral group (>10 weeks).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Duration of rest before clearance to a full return to activity and the frequency of adverse reactions during the course of treatment. Safety was assessed by calculating the risk of experiencing an adverse reaction in each group.

RESULTS

Median days to a full return to activity for aggressive referral group (115.5 days, interquartile range 98-150 days) and conservative referral group (140.0 days, interquartile range 114.5-168 days) were significantly different (P = 0.002). Eleven patients had adverse reactions during the course of treatment. The risk of adverse reaction was not statistically significant between groups (P = 0.509).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute spondylolysis in the aggressive referral group were able to make a full return activity almost 25 days sooner. No differences in the risk of adverse reactions were noted between aggressive and conservative referral groups.

Benign Natural History of Spondylolysis in Adolescence With Midterm Follow-Up

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVES

To use the Micheli Functional Scale to assess adolescent patients with spondylolysis treated conservatively at midterm follow-up.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND

Spondylolysis is a common source of back pain for adolescents and is generally managed with bracing and physical therapy. There is little data regarding the results of conservative management of spondylolysis over time.

METHODS

Four major academic pediatric institutions performed a retrospective chart review of patients from 5 to 21 years of age with the initial diagnosis of spondylolysis. Inclusion criteria were patients who initially underwent conservative management and had a minimum of 2 years' follow-up. The patients were contacted and asked to complete the Micheli Functional Scale Survey.

RESULTS

A total of 295 patients with the diagnosis of spondylolysis were identified and contacted. Sixty-one subjects with spondylolysis completed the follow-up survey. Sixty of 61 respondents (98%) answered questions regarding their current pain level. Thirty-five of 60 (58.3%) reported no pain (0/10) and 47/60 (78%) rated their pain at 3 or less, whereas 22% (13/60) rated their pain as 4 or higher. There was no correlation with pain ratings on the follow-up survey and radiographic healing at initial management. Of the 61 patients, 50 returned to sports (82%), 8 did not return (13%), and 5 returned to most but not all of their sports (8%). No correlation was observed between radiographic healing and return to sports (p = .4885).

CONCLUSION

Using a validated functional scale, this study demonstrated that with conservative management of spondylolysis a majority of patients at an average of 8 years out self-report a return to sports (90%), though many reported continued pain (42%) and interference with activities (67%). There was no correlation observed between radiographic evidence of healing and pain or return to sports with a mean follow-up of 8 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Multicenter retrospective case series.

Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis epidemiology: A systematic review with a focus on gender-specific and age-specific prevalence

The epidemiology of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) remains controversial. We performed a systematic review with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the prevalence of DS in the general population. The results showed that the prevalence of DS is very gender- and age-specific. Few women and men develop DS before they are 50 years old. After 50 years of age, both women and men begin to develop DS, with women having a faster rate of development than men. For elderly Chinese (≥ 65 years, mean age: 72.5 years), large population-based studies MsOS (Hong Kong, females: n = 2000) and MrOS (Hong Kong, males: n = 2000) showed DS prevalence was 25.0% in women and 19.1% in men. The female:male (F:M) prevalence ratio was 1.3:1. The published data for MsOS (USA) and MrOS (USA) studies seem to show that elderly Caucasian Americans have a higher DS prevalence, being approximately 60-70% higher than elderly Chinese; however, the F:M prevalence ratio was similar to the elderly Chinese population. Patient data showed that female patients more often received surgical treatment than male and preliminary data showed the ratio of female to male patients receiving surgical treatment did not differ between Northeast Asians (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean), Europeans, and American Caucasians, being around 2:1 in the elderly population. The existing data also suggest that menopause may be a contributing factor for the accelerated development of DS in postmenopausal women. The translational potential of this article: A better understanding of epidemiology of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis can support patient consultation and treatment planning.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes and Factors That Predict Poor Prognosis in Athletes After a Diagnosis of Acute Spondylolysis: A Retrospective Review With Telephone Follow-up

Study Design Retrospective review with telephone follow-up. Background Acute spondylolytic injuries have a dramatic impact on the young athlete. Excellent short-term clinical outcomes have been observed, but not enough is known about long-term clinical outcomes. Objectives (1) To report long-term clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with acute spondylolysis, and (2) to assess the prognostic ability of retrospective variables for long-term outcomes. Methods Patients from 2010 through 2013 were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients and to obtain demographic, baseline, and short-term outcomes. Long-term follow-up data were collected by telephone from patients diagnosed with acute spondylolysis to assess recurrence rate of low back pain, perceived outcome, pain, and functional ability. Patients were categorized as having a good or poor long-term outcome based on these measures. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the prognostic ability of the retrospective variables for long-term outcomes 3.4 years (range, 1.5-5.6 years) after treatment. Results One hundred twenty-one (71.6%) patients completed the follow-up questionnaire (48 female; mean age at baseline, 14.4 years). At follow-up, 81 (66.9%) patients were able to maintain their same or a higher level of sport. Recurrence of significant symptoms was reported by 55 (45.5%) patients, with 41 (33.9%) requiring medical treatment. The final logistic regression model revealed that female sex, adverse reaction during care, and multilevel injury were significant predictors of poor long-term outcome (R² = 0.22). Conclusion Although excellent short-term outcomes were noted, 42% of patients reported a poor outcome at long-term follow-up. Female sex, multilevel injury, and experiencing an adverse reaction during care were significant predictors of poor long-term clinical outcome for patients diagnosed with acute spondylolysis. Level of Evidence Prognosis, level 4. Registered January 15, 2015 at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02332200). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(12):1029-1036. Epub 8 Nov 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.7028.

Accuracy and efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided pars interarticularis injections on immediate and short-term pain relief

PURPOSE

To determine the accuracy and short-term efficacy of fluoroscopy-guided steroid/anesthetic injections for symptomatic pars interarticularis (pars) defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following IRB approval, all fluoroscopically guided pars injections from a single institution (6/2010 to 3/2016) were retrospectively and independently reviewed by two MSK radiologists. The radiologists evaluated the fluoroscopic images to determine if all of the pars injections associated with each procedure were intra-pars (n = 57 procedures; 106 pars injections), peri-pars (n = 3 procedures; three pars injected), or a combination of intra-pars and peri-pars (n = 6 procedures; 12 pars injected). The patients were asked their pain score (graded on a scale of 0-10) pre-injection, 5-10 min and 1-week post-injection. Age, gender, and fluoroscopic times were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on the all intra-pars injections only.

RESULTS

Exact inter-reader agreement was present in 92 % (112/121) of the injections, with 57 of the procedures (106 pars injections) performed on 41 patients (mean age 36; 18 M, 23 F) all intra-pars. The mean pre-injection and 5-10 min post-injection reduction in pain for the all intra-pars injections was -3.0 units (95 % CI: [-3.9, -2.1] units; p < 0.001) with a mean 1-week post-injection (n = 21 procedures; 38 pars) reduction in pain of -0.7 units (95 % CI [-1.5, 0.0]; p = 0.06). The geometric mean fluoroscopic time per pars injected was 42 s.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 92 % of fluoroscopically guided injections for symptomatic spondylolysis are technically successful with minimum fluoroscopic time, resulting in statistically significant pain reduction immediately post-injection and a trend in pain reduction 1-week post-injection.

Athletic Population with Spondylolysis: Review of Outcomes following Surgical Repair or Conservative Management

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to critically review the outcomes associated with the surgical repair or conservative management of spondylolysis in athletes.

METHODS

The English literature listed in MEDLINE/PubMed was reviewed to identify related articles using the term "spondylolysis AND athlete." The criteria for studies to be included were management of spondylolysis in athletes, English text, and no year, follow-up, or study design restrictions. The references of the retrieved articles were also evaluated. The primary outcome was time to return to sport. This search yielded 180 citations, and 25 publications were included in the review.

RESULTS

Treatment methods were dichotomized as operative and nonoperative. In the nonoperative group, 390 athletes were included. A combination of bracing with physical therapy and restriction of activities was used. Conservative measures allowed athletes to return to sport in 3.7 months (weighted mean). One hundred seventy-four patients were treated surgically. The most common technique was Buck's, using a compression screw (91/174). All authors reported satisfactory outcomes. Time to return to play was 7.9 months (weighted mean). There were insufficient studies with suitably homogenous subgroups to conduct a meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

There is no gold standard approach for the management of spondylolysis in the athletic population. The existing literature suggests initial therapy should be a course of conservative management with thoracolumbosacral orthosis brace, physiotherapy, and activity modification. If conservative management fails, surgical intervention should be considered. Two-sided clinical studies are needed to determine an optimal pathway for the management of athletes with spondylolysis.