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Tatsumura M, Okuwaki S, Gamada H, Asai R, Eto F, Nagashima K, Takeuchi Y, Funayama T, Yamazaki M. A Novel Technique for Pars Defect Direct Repair with a Modified Smiley Face Rod for Spondylolysis and Isthmic Spondylolisthesis. Spine Surg Relat Res 2023; 7:396-401. [PMID: 37636143 PMCID: PMC10447201 DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2023-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lumbar spondylolysis is a common fatigue fracture of the pars interarticularis of the lamina of the lumbar spine in adolescent athletes presenting with pars clefts. Some pseudarthrotic lumbar spondylolysis causes low back pain or radiculopathy. This study presents a case of pseudarthrotic lumbar spondylolysis that was successfully treated using a modified smiley face rod technique. Technical Note We developed a modified smiley face rod technique, which places pedicle screws in the lateral edge of the pedicle to preserve the erector spinae muscles and inserts a U-shaped rod between the spinous processes to preserve the supraspinous ligament. When a U-shaped rod penetrates the interspinous ligament subcutaneously, the resection of the supraspinous ligaments can be avoided. When the screw head is positioned more anterolaterally, a compression force is applied perpendicular to the surface of the pars cleft by rod clamping. This intrasegmental fusion technique preserves the mobile segment and simultaneously repairs the pars cleft. It is less invasive and more appropriate than interbody fusion for young athletes to avoid the possibility of future adjacent segment disorders. Conclusions This is a minimally invasive procedure that can easily achieve bone fusion and should be introduced for patients who are suffering from the symptoms of pseudarthrotic lumbar spondylolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Tatsumura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Tsukuba University Hospital Mito Clinical Education and Training Center, Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Mito, Japan
| | - Shun Okuwaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hisarnori Gamada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Reo Asai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Eto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagashima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Tsukuba University Hospital Mito Clinical Education and Training Center, Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Mito, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takeuchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Tsukuba University Hospital Mito Clinical Education and Training Center, Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Mito, Japan
| | - Toru Funayama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masashi Yamazaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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Trager RJ, Mok SR, Schlick KJ, Perez JA, Dusek JA. Association between radicular low back pain and constipation: a retrospective cohort study using a real-world national database. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e954. [PMID: 34476303 PMCID: PMC8397289 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous observational studies have reported an association between lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR), a form of low back pain (LBP) with nerve root involvement, and constipation. However, it is unclear whether this association is due to confounding variables such as comorbidities and medications. OBJECTIVES This study explores the possible association between LSR and constipation, with the hypothesis that adults with LSR have increased odds of developing constipation compared with those with nonradicular LBP. METHODS Adults aged 18 to 49 years with incident LSR and nonradicular LBP were identified from a national 70 million patient electronic health records network (TriNetX). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control for covariates and determine the odds ratio (OR) of constipation over a 1-year follow-up. Lumbar stenosis, cauda equina syndrome, and inflammatory bowel diseases were excluded. RESULTS After PSM, 503,062 patients were in each cohort. Before PSM, the likelihood of constipation was identical between cohorts (LSR 10.8% vs 10.9%; OR [confidence interval] = 0.99 [0.98-1.0], P = 0.251). This association was unchanged after PSM (LSR 10.8% vs 11.1%; OR [confidence interval] = 0.98 [0.97-0.99]; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The study hypothesis can be refuted given that the OR approximated the null in a large propensity-matched sample. Patients with LSR have equivalent odds of constipation compared with those with nonradicular LBP, suggesting that LSR is not a direct cause of constipation. The similar risk of constipation between cohorts could be explained by factors common to LBP in general, such as pain severity, physical inactivity, and constipating medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert James Trager
- Connor Integrative Health Network, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Shaffer R.S. Mok
- UH Digestive Health Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kayla J. Schlick
- Clinical Research Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jaime A. Perez
- Clinical Research Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jeffery A. Dusek
- Connor Integrative Health Network, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Yamashita K, Sakai T, Takata Y, Hayashi F, Tezuka F, Morimoto M, Kinoshita Y, Nagamachi A, Chikawa T, Yonezu H, Higashino K, Sakamaki T, Sairyo K. Utility of STIR-MRI in Detecting the Pain Generator in Asymmetric Bilateral Pars Fracture: A Report of 5 Cases. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2018; 58:91-95. [PMID: 29276206 PMCID: PMC5830529 DOI: 10.2176/nmc.cr.2017-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumbar spondylolysis usually occurs as a stress fracture in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra. It is a prevalent sports-related disorder and a common cause of low back pain. We encountered five athletes (4 males, 1 female) with severe low back pain. Mean age was 14.5 years. All five patients were found to have bilateral pars fracture. In all cases, staging based on the findings from computed tomography scan of the right and left pars fracture was different. On short tau inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (STIR-MRI) of the comparatively newer more recently injured side, high signal intensity changes were obvious and dominant at the intra- and extraosseous area, which would indicate tissue edema and/or bleeding. Furthermore, the imaging findings corresponded to the side of the low back pain. In conclusion, STIR-MRI can effectively distinguish between painful pars fracture and painless pars fracture.
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Booth TN, Iyer RS, Falcone RA, Hayes LL, Jones JY, Kadom N, Kulkarni AV, Myseros JS, Partap S, Reitman C, Robertson RL, Ryan ME, Saigal G, Soares BP, Tekes A, Trout AT, Zumberge NA, Coley BD, Palasis S. ACR Appropriateness Criteria ® Back Pain—Child. J Am Coll Radiol 2017; 14:S13-S24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2017.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kaneko H, Murakami M, Nishizawa K. Prevalence and clinical features of sports-related lumbosacral stress injuries in the young. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2017; 137:685-691. [PMID: 28349205 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-017-2686-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress injuries (stress fractures and stress reactions) of the lumbosacral region are one of the causes of sports-related lower back pain in young individuals. These injuries can be detected by bone marrow edema lesion on MRI. However, little is known about the prevalence and clinical features of early stage lumbosacral stress injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of lumbosacral stress injuries. METHODS A total of 312 patients (under 18 years of age) who complained of sports-related lower back pain that had lasted for ≥7 days underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We reviewed patients' records retrospectively. RESULTS MRI showed that 33.0% of the patients had lumbar stress injuries and 1.6% had sacral stress injuries. Lumbar stress injuries were more common in males than in females and were found in 30% of 13- to 18-year-old patients. About 50% of the patients that participated in soccer or track and field were diagnosed with lumbar stress injuries. No clinical patterns in the frequencies of sacral stress injuries were detected due to the low number of patients that suffered this type of injury. Plain radiography is rarely able to detect the early stage lesions associated with lumbosacral stress injuries, but such lesions can be detected in the caudal-ventral region of the pars interarticularis on sagittal computed tomography scans. Thirty-three percent of young patients that complained of sports-related lower back pain for ≥7 days had lumbar stress injuries, while 1.6% of them had sacral stress injuries. Clinicians should be aware of the existence of these injuries. MRI is useful for diagnosing lumbosacral stress injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Kaneko
- Murakami Orthopaedic Clinic, 1095-4 Nishiura, Mushono, Minakuchi-cho, Koka, Shiga, 528-0041, Japan.
| | - Mototsune Murakami
- Murakami Orthopaedic Clinic, 1095-4 Nishiura, Mushono, Minakuchi-cho, Koka, Shiga, 528-0041, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nishizawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
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Tamaki S, Yamashita K, Higashino K, Sakai T, Takata Y, Sairyo K. Lumbar Posterior Apophyseal Ring Fracture Combined with Spondylolysis in Pediatric Athletes: A Report of Three Cases. JBJS Case Connect 2016; 6:e64. [PMID: 29252641 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.15.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
CASE Lumbar posterior apophyseal ring fracture is an uncommon finding in children, but lumbar spondylolysis is a common disorder. Both disorders are prevalent in young athletes. We describe 3 adolescent athletes who showed both lumbar spondylolysis and lumbar posterior apophyseal ring fracture. Because lumbar spondylolysis is comparatively easy to diagnose, a concurrent posterior lumbar apophyseal ring fracture is likely to be overlooked. CONCLUSION In patients with severe low back and radicular pain in whom spondylolysis is suspected, it is important to perform not only magnetic resonance imaging and radiography but also computed tomography for identifying posterior apophyseal ring fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Tamaki
- Department of Orthopedics, Institute of Health Biosciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Sairyo K, Nagamachi A. State-of-the-art management of low back pain in athletes: Instructional lecture. J Orthop Sci 2016; 21:263-72. [PMID: 26850924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2015.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we describe "state of the art" on the diagnosis and treatment for low back pain in athletes. Lumbar motion that induces specific pain would be a clue to the exact diagnosis. In the flexion pain group, lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus is the most common disorder. Discogenic pain and type 1 Modic endplate inflammation may also cause flexion pain; however, the diagnosis is sometimes difficult. In children and adolescents, apophyseal ring fracture is prevalent. In the extension pain group, lumbar spondylolysis is very common, especially in pediatric athletes. In adults, facet pain due to overloading would be the pathology, while low back pain with trunk rotation is not common. However, throwing athletes, such as pitchers and hammer throwers, may experience this kind of pain; facet arthritis contralateral to the throwing arm would be the origin of the pain. Low back pain on lumbar lateral bending is rare, but we experienced some cases in golfers in whom type 1 Modic change at the lateral corner was the source of pain. In this article, we explained strategies for state-of-the-art diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sairyo
- Department of Orthopedics, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
| | - Akihiro Nagamachi
- Department of Orthopedics, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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Current Evidence Regarding the Etiology, Prevalence, Natural History, and Prognosis of Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolysis: A Report from the Scoliosis Research Society Evidence-Based Medicine Committee. Spine Deform 2015; 3:12-29. [PMID: 27927448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jspd.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Structured literature review. OBJECTIVES To assess the current state of evidence as a first step in the development of practice guidelines for pediatric spondylolysis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Progress in published medical knowledge, changes in societal expectations, and developments in health care economics have led medical organizations to develop evidence-based documents and products. METHODS A comprehensive literature search for pediatric spondylolysis was performed with the assistance of a medical librarian. The authors reviewed citations and abstracts. Abstracts were reviewed for exclusions and data from included studies were analyzed by committee. A total of 44 articles provided the best available evidence for the questions of etiology, prevalence, natural history, and prognosis: 9 were graded as level I evidence, 23 were level II, 3 were level III, and 9 were level IV. No level V studies were included in the final list. RESULTS There is good evidence that pediatric lumbar spondylolysis is an acquired fracture of the pars interarticularis that can occur unilaterally or bilaterally. Evidence shows that when chronic, bilateral pars defects develop, 43% to 74% of patients will progress to grade 1 or 2 spondylolisthesis. In addition, unilateral, incomplete, and early lesions can obtain bony union. With or without bony union or spondylolisthesis, short-term symptom resolution is the norm. Long-term prognosis is less clear, but there is fair evidence that most patients will have lumbar symptoms compared with the general population. There is also fair evidence that some patients will develop significant symptoms as adults and will undergo surgical treatment. There is insufficient knowledge to predict which patients will continue to do well in the long term with conservative or no treatment and which patients will develop symptoms significant enough to warrant early intervention. CONCLUSIONS The current medical literature provides fair to good evidence for clinically relevant questions regarding the etiology, prevalence, natural history, and prognosis of pediatric spondylolysis.
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Current Evidence Regarding the Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Pediatric Lumbar Spondylolysis: A Report from the Scoliosis Research Society Evidence-Based Medicine Committee. Spine Deform 2015; 3:30-44. [PMID: 27927449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jspd.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Structured literature review. OBJECTIVES The Scoliosis Research Society requested an assessment of the current state of peer-reviewed evidence regarding pediatric spondylolysis with the goal of identifying both what is really known and what research remains essential to further understanding. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Spondylolysis is common among children and adolescents and no formal synthesis of the published literature regarding treatment has been previously performed. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed. The researchers reviewed abstracts and analyzed by committee data from included studies. From 947 initial citations with abstract, 383 articles underwent full text review. The best available evidence for clinical questions regarding surgical and nonsurgical treatment was provided by 58 included studies. None of the studies were graded as level I or level II evidence. Two of the studies were graded as level III evidence. Fifty-six of the studies were graded as level IV evidence. No level V (expert opinion) studies were included in the final list. RESULTS Although natural history studies suggest a benign, relatively asymptomatic course for spondylolysis in most patients, both nonsurgical and surgical treatment series suggest that a substantial number of patients present with pain and activity limitations attributed to spondylolysis. Pain resolution and return to activity are common with both nonsurgical and surgical treatment (80% to 85%, respectively). Although it is implied that most surgically treated patients have failed nonsurgical treatment, the specific treatment modalities and duration required before failure is declared are not well defined. There is insufficient evidence to know which patients will benefit from specific treatment modalities (both nonsurgical and surgical). CONCLUSIONS Because of the preponderance of uncontrolled case series and the lack of comparative studies, only low-quality evidence is available to guide the treatment of pediatric spondylolysis.
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Characteristics of low back pain in adolescent patients with early-stage spondylolysis evaluated using a detailed visual analogue scale. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2015; 40:E29-34. [PMID: 25341981 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective comparative cohort study. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in adolescent patients with early-stage spondylolysis (ESS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA ESS is a common cause of acute LBP in adolescents. When treating patients with ESS, early diagnosis is important; however, early diagnosis is difficult without magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS Adolescent patients (n = 77) with acute LBP showing no pathological findings on plain radiography were included (<1 m after onset). Patients were divided into ESS and nonspecific LBP (NS-LBP) groups by conducting magnetic resonance imaging; patients showing no pathological findings that explain the cause of LBP were classified as NS-LBP. LBP was evaluated using a traditional visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-10 cm), Oswestry Disability Index, and a detailed VAS scoring system in which pain is independently evaluated in 3 different postural situations (in motion, standing, and sitting); the values were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS Of 77 patients, 41 (mean age: 14.6 yr; 33 adolescent boys/8 adolescent girls) had ESS and 36 (mean age: 14.3 yr; 20 adolescent boys/16 adolescent girls) were considered to have NS-LBP. Respective traditional VAS and Oswestry Disability Index scores were 4.9, 16.1 in the ESS group, and 6.2, 26.3 in the NS-LBP group. Both scores were significantly higher in the NS-LBP group. The results of the detailed VAS revealed that the ESS group showed significantly greater pain intensity while in motion than while standing or sitting (4.2, 2.0, and 2.0, respectively), whereas the NS-LBP group showed similar pain intensities in all 3 postural situations (5.3, 4.0, and 4.9, respectively). CONCLUSION This study revealed that LBP characteristics may provide important information for distinguishing ESS from other low back disorders. Because early diagnosis is essential for the treatment of ESS, MRI examination is recommended for patients showing severe pain in motion, but less pain when standing or sitting.
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Miyagi R, Sairyo K, Sakai T, Dezawa A. A remarkable case of hypertrophic pseudoarthrosis of the pars interarticularis in a young American football professional player. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND TRAUMATOLOGY 2012; 22 Suppl 1:1-3. [PMID: 26662738 DOI: 10.1007/s00590-011-0868-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lumbar spondylolysis is a defect of the pars interarticularis regarded as a stress fracture. The bone stump around the pars defect usually appears atrophic and is fibrously united or filled with fibro cartilaginous mass, similar to long bone pseudoarthrosis. Lumbar spondylolysis sometimes causes bone growth resembling that of an osteophyte in osteoarthritis, and in elderly patients, the ragged edges result in radiculopathy around the defect. However, lumbar spondylolysis is rarely reported to cause hypertrophic changes resulting in spinal canal stenosis in young patients. In this report, we present an unprecedented radiological finding of distinctive hypertrophic change around the pars defect, which occurred in a young professional football player.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Miyagi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Koichi Sairyo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, 3-8-3 Mizonokuchi, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, 213-8507, Japan.
| | - Toshinori Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Akira Dezawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, 3-8-3 Mizonokuchi, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, 213-8507, Japan
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Sairyo K, Sakai T, Mase Y, Kon T, Shibuya I, Kanamori Y, Kosugi T, Dezawa A. Painful lumbar spondylolysis among pediatric sports players: a pilot MRI study. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2011; 131:1485-9. [PMID: 21671077 DOI: 10.1007/s00402-011-1336-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For children and adolescents who are very active athletes, fresh lumbar spondylolysis is the main pathologic cause of lower back pain (LBP). However, regarding the terminal-stage spondylolysis (pars defect), there have been few studies to clarify the pathomechanism of LBP. The purpose of this study is to clarify the cause of LBP associated with pars defects in athletes. This is the first report showing a possible pathomechanism of LBP in active athletes with painful pars defect. METHOD Six pediatric athletes (5 boys and 1 girl) below 18 years old with painful bilateral lumbar spondylolysis were evaluated. In all cases, spondylolysis was identified as terminal stage (pseudoarthrosis) on CT scan. To evaluate the inflammation around the pars defects, short time inversion recovery (STIR) MRI was performed along with the sagittal section. Fluid collection, which is an indicator of inflammatory events, was evaluated in 12 pars defects as well as in 12 cranial and caudal adjoining facet joints. RESULTS Inflammation (i.e., fluid collection) was observed in all 12 pars defects in six subjects at the pseudoarthrotic pars defects. In terms of facet joints, 7 of 12 (58%) pars defects showed fluid collection at the cranial and/or caudal adjoining joints on STIR MRI. CONCLUSION The present study showed that inflammation was always present at the pars defects and in some cases at the adjoining facet joints. Thus, it is not difficult to understand how, during sports activity, inflammation may first occur at the pseudoarthrotic site and then spread to the adjoining facet joints. This mechanism could cause LBP associated with terminal-stage (pseudoarthrotics) spondylolysis in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sairyo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, 3-8-3 Mizonokuchi, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki 213-8507, Japan.
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