Spondylolysis
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Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis is a defect or fracture on one or both of the wing-shaped parts of a vertebra, usually in the lower lumbar region.
Spondylolysis is usually detected sometime during childhood. It may occur for one or more reasons.
- Some people are born missing part of or with damage to this piece of vertebra.
- The wing-shaped parts of the vertebra may become damaged from strenuous physical activity, especially during adolescence. Certain types of athletes—particularly weight lifters, football players, gymnasts, and javelin throwers—are at increased risk of developing to this condition. It usually starts as a stress fracture and it never completely heals.
- Normal changes associated with aging can weaken this part of the vertebra, leading to fractures or deformities.
Most people can manage spondylolysis by resting from strenuous activity, stretching and strengthening exercises, and taking pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen. Surgery is rarely needed, although it may be considered for people who do not respond to other treatment.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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