I am a 22 year-old college athlete on my way to play baseball with a farm league. When I was 16, I had spondylolysis. This was treated with a brace and rest. Is there any chance I could get this again?

Spondylolysis is a fracture of the pars interarticularis (an area within the bony ring that connects on the back of the vertebra). If the break doesn't separate, the bone can heal in good alignment. Spondylolisthesis is the name of the condition when a vertebrae with spondylolysis on both sides of the bony ring causes the vertebra to slip forward over the bone below it.

Spondylolysis can occur with intense, strenuous sports activity. It's not known if a previous fracture is more likely to fracture again. With solid bone healing, the patient should be able to return to full activity in competitive sports.

Full bone fusion can support contact with other players. Collision and ground forces when sliding into bases or making diving catches are also possible. You may want to have an X-ray to show the status of your spine. This information can help guide training.