UNILATERAL PARS INTERARTICULARIS FRACTURE IN A YOUNG SOCCER PLAYER

Abstract

Low back pain is a fairly common condition in the general population. There is a high incidence of low back pain in the early stages of life. Rate of low back pain increases with age. The incidence may increase along with participation in sports. Movements like vertical jumping, rotation, extension that are performed during sports may increase pain occurrence as a result of stress on low back pain. Etiology of low back pain causes includes factors such as low back muscle strain, spondylolysis and discal herniation. The incidence of spondylolysis is higher in young athletes. Especially movements such as extension and rotation increase the risk of spondylolysis occurrence. A 17-year-old male soccer player who complained of low back pain that increased with activity and decreased with rest, applied to the clinic. According to his history, pain was not radiating. There was no history of direct trauma. Based on the findings of the first physical examination, upon considering diagnosis of lumbar muscle strain, analgesic and myorelaxant drugs were prescribed. As symptoms did not produce any regression, and as ambulation was found to be affected in his follow-ups, it was decided to request X-rays. No pathological findings were found thereupon. Finally, MRI was requested, the result of which made it possible to diagnose spondylolysis by determining left pars fracture at L5. Surgery was decided upon as treatment. Following surgery, along with the recovery of the player's complaints, plans were made for him to join the team within a year after surgery. Spondylolysis is a condition that must be considered absolutely in the diagnosis of low back pain, especially when the pain is present for a long time and when uncured with medical treatment.