Stress Injuries of the Spine in Sports

Abstract

Spine sports stress injuries account for a significant amount of time loss at play in athletes, particularly if left unrecognized and allowed to progress. Spondylolysis makes up most of these stress injuries. This article focuses on spondylolysis, bringing together discussion from the literature on its pathomechanics and the different imaging modalities used in its diagnosis. Radiologists should be aware of the limitations and more importantly the roles of different imaging modalities in guiding and dictating the management of spondylolysis. Other stress-related injuries in the spine are also discussed including but not limited to pedicle fracture and apophyseal ring injury.

growing issue of overuse injuries in young athletes

“…(Herman, Pizzutillo, & Cavalier, 2003) Surgical management is suitable in the case of progression with signs of instability and spinal stenosis. (Wong, Lalam, Cassar-Pullicino, Tyrrell, & Singh, 2020)…”

Stressfrakturen und andere stressinduzierte Verletzungen

“…Merke Die Wirbelsäule wird bezüglich Ermüdungsfrakturen oft unterschätzt. Insbesondere bei sportlich aktiven Jugendlichen und tiefen Rückenschmerzen ist auf eine Stressreaktion der Pedikel zu achten [11].…”

Role of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on lumbar spondylolysis: a systematic review

“…5 Chronic traumatic spondylolysis is associated with stress fracture or spondylolytic defect of the pars interarticularis which occurs as a result of repetitive movements during extension and rotation of the lumbar spine. 6 Mostly, patients present with pain, joint limitation, muscle spasm, sacral flattening and waddling gait pattern. 7 In severe cases, tightness of hamstring and iliopsos may also occur along with posterior pelvic tilt.…”