SPONDYLOLYSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS - CORRELATION WITH SPORT

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis occur predominantly in the lower l umbar spine. Besides congenital defects such as predisposition of spon dylolysis the correlation between competitive sports activities and an increased incidence of spondylolysis is proved. In early stages, comp lete healing can be achieved by conservative treatment (abstinence fro m sports activities for 3 months, orthesis). Persistence of pain, neur ologic symptoms and progression of vertebral slipping are indications for operative treatment (reconstruction of the isthmus, dorso-ventral spondylodesis). The exercise tolerance depends on the extent of instab ility, progression of vertebral slipping and clinical symptoms. The li mits of exercise tolerance vary among the individual athletes and requ ire the decision of the physician. Backstroke swimming, abdominal and back muscle strengthening exercises, and types of sport involving smoo th movements are advisable. Sports education in school is possible wit hout restriction in patients with stable spondylolysis and in those wi th spondylolisthesis without unfavourable concomitant factors.