[Sports and Spondylolysis: Chances and Limits].

Authors

Tobias Pitzen, Jörg Drumm, Timo Zippelius, Michael Ruf

Published in

Sportverletzung Sportschaden : Organ der Gesellschaft fur Orthopadisch-Traumatologische Sportmedizin. Jul 13, 2026. Epub Jul 13, 2026.

Abstract

Spondylolysis is a unilateral or bilateral defect of the interarticular region of a vertebra, most commonly in the lumbar spine. This pathology occurs frequently in young athletes and leads to spondylolisthesis in 75% of cases. Athletically active patients generally wish to continue their sports activity. This article aims to present literature-based recommendations and our personal experience regarding sports participation in children and adolescents suffering from spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. We conclude that sports participation is possible despite spondylolysis in individuals of growing age. However, sports involving repetitive hyperextension and rotational loading under maximal stress should initially be avoided. A conservative treatment approach is recommended as a first step. If this approach fails, surgical treatment should be considered. According to the literature and our experience, most athletes return to sport after both conservative and surgical treatment, often at the level achieved prior to diagnosis.

PMID:
42442709
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 14 Jul 2026.

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