Korean J Sports Med.  2017 Dec;35(3):198-201. 10.5763/kjsm.2017.35.3.198.

Sequential Proximal Adjacent Spondylolysis by Pars Interarticularis Fracture in Elite Soccer Player

• Kim SK
• Park SW
• Lee SC
• Song MB

• KMID: 2397815
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2017.35.3.198

Abstract

Pars interarticularis fracture is a common finding in young soccer players with low back pain. Spondylolysis in young adults involves a defect of the pars interarticularis, occurring as a result of repeated hyperextension and rotation. Here, we describe the case of a 26-year-old male elite soccer player who was diagnosed with L3 spondylolysis 2 years previously. He visited Incheon Himchan Hospital again because of low back pain. Radiographs showed consecutive spondylolysis at the L3 and L4 levels. Physicians should be aware that repeated performance of athletic movements, such as those during soccer, might lead to consecutive levels of spondylolysis.

Keyword

Athlete; Pars interarticularis; Spondylolysis; Stress fracture

MeSH Terms

Adult
Athletes
Fractures, Stress
Humans
Incheon
Low Back Pain
Male
Soccer*
Spondylolysis*
Sports
Young Adult

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Plain radiograph of the lumbar spine, showing no obvious abnormalities except for mild scoliosis with slight rotational deformity. (B) Lateral radiograph, showing single-level spondylolysis (arrow). (C, D) Flexion-extension radiographs of the lumbar spine, showing a discontinued line at the L3 vertebra (arrows). (E, F) Oblique radiographs of both sides, showing single-level spondylolysis (arrows).

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) Lateral radiograph, showing multiple sequential pars interarticularis fractures at L3 and L4 (arrows). (B, C) Flexion-extension radiographs of the lumbar spine, showing a discontinued line at L3 and L4 with mild instability (arrows). (D) Axial computed tomography scan, showing a discontinued line at the pars interarticularis of L4 (arrows). (E) Axial T2-weighted magnetic resonance image, showing bilateral discontinued lines and low signal intensity at the pars interarticularis. (arrows). (F) Sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance image, showing multiple sequential low signal intensity at L3 and L4 (arrows).

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