Idiopathic scoliosis and spondylolysis in the female athlete - Tips for treatment

Idiopathic scoliosis and spondylolysis can be common back problems in femal e athletes. Diagnosis and treatment can be difficult. With the notable tren d toward increasing participation of women and girls in organized sports, i t is necessary to know which sports carry additional risks for participants to have these two conditions develop and to determine treatment modalities . In general, idiopathic scoliosis is more prevalent in females and even ma y be higher in the athletes. Treatment options may include observation, the use of a brace, and surgery. In determining treatment, the type of sport a nd caliber of athlete must be considered in conjunction with the severity o f the curve. Spondylolysis or a stress fracture of the posterior vertebral elements can be a common cause of back pain in an athlete, In many sports t hat are dominated by females (gymnastics, dancing, figure skating), the ath letes carry a high risk of having spondylolysis or a stress fracture. Knowi ng the risk factors permits precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Tr eatment options include the use of a brace and surgery. In the current stud y, an extensive review of the literature in conjunction with the extensive experience of a well-established sports medicine clinic at the authors' ins titution is presented.