Patient Information Resources


Sterling Ridge Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
6767 Lake Woodlands Drive, Suite F, The Woodlands, TX 77382
20639 Kuykendahl Road, Suite 200, Spring, TX 77379
The Woodlands & Spring, TX .
Ph: 281-364-1122 832-698-011
stacy@srosm.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Common Cause of Low Back Pain in Children

Posted on: 11/30/1999
Spondylolysis is a common cause of low back pain in children. This is a defect or tiny fracture in the supporting column of the vertebra. If the fracture line separates and the bone moves forward, then the condition is called spondylolisthesis. Back pain and tight hamstrings are typical symptoms with either condition.

In this article, orthopedic surgeons from several well-known clinics and hospitals give a review of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. It's rarely reported in children under the age of six. The lumbar spine at L5 is affected most often. The person is more likely to have symptoms when the problem is at L4. In young children and teenagers, spondylolisthesis occurs most often at the L5-S1 segment.

Sports activities increase the risk of developing spondylolysis. Extending the spine too far and too often (hyperextension) combined with rotation such as occur in diving and gymnastics can lead to spondylolysis. Sometimes it's congenital with changes in bone formation present at birth.

Spondylolisthesis can be grouped or classified as one of five types based on cause as determined by X-ray findings. A second classification system divides cases into two broad groups. The first is developmental (occurs as a result of trauma or fatigue failure) from repetitive use. The second is acquired at birth from an inherited deformity.

The authors report that conservative care is the gold standard for spondylotic stress fractures. The tiny fracture has a chance of healing. A back brace, activity restriction, and physical therapy are advised until CT scan shows bone healing. Return to full activities is possible.

Surgery may be needed if the painful symptoms don't go away after six months of conservative care. Neurologic changes can become permanent if not taken care of surgically. When pain persists, spinal fusion to stabilize the displaced vertebra may be the best treatment.

References:
Ralph Cavalier, MD et al. Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in Children and Adolescents: I. Diagnosis, Natural History, and Nonsurgical Management. In Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. July 2006. Vol. 14. No. 7. Pp. 417-424.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.