LUMBAR SPINE STRESS-FRACTURE IN A YOUNG ATHLETE

An 18-year-old rugby player suffered pain at the left lumbosacral junc tion after intensifying his level of practice. Plain radiographs were negative, but single-photon-emission computed tomography and three-dim ensional bone scan images showed a lesion on the left neural arch of L -5. After conservative treatment and 10 pain-free weeks, he resumed tr aining. One week later, symptoms recurred, and standard computed tomog raphy showed a vertical fracture through late S-1 facet. This rare fra cture illustrates the need to consider the unusual injury, especially in younger athletes who participate in high-level sports.