Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN VOLUME 24, NUMBER 1 200 University Ave. E. Permit No. 5388 St. Paul, MN 55101 651-291-2848 ADDRESSwww.gillettechildrens.org SERVICE REQUESTED VOLUME 24, NUMBER 1 2015 A Pediatric Perspective focuses on specialized topics in pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery and rehabilitation medicine. Understanding and Treating KEY INSIGHTS To subscribe to or unsubscribe from A Pediatric Perspective, please send an email to
[email protected]. Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis ■ Spondylolysis is an acquired fracture of the pars interarticularis of Editor-in-Chief – Steven Koop, M.D. By Tenner Guillaume, M.D., pediatric spine surgeon the vertebra, but the term can also be Editor – Ellen Shriner Designer – Becky Wright used to describe a stress fracture of When an athletic adolescent experiences low back pain that worsens with back the pars interarticularis. Copyright 2015. Gillette Children’s Specialty extension, consider evaluating the patient for spondylolysis. Healthcare. All rights reserved. ■ Spondylolisthesis refers to a vertebral Tenner Guillaume, M.D. slip that usually occurs between L5 Spondylolysis is an acquired and S1. fracture of the pars interarticu- Reference laris of the vertebra, but the term Pars ONLY!■ Of the four kinds of spondylolisthesis, interarticularis only two—dysplastic and isthmic— can also be used to describe Fig. 1a To make a referral, call 651-325-2200 or occur in children and adolescents. Tenner Guillaume, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic 855-325-2200 (toll-free). a stress fracture of the pars surgeon who specializes in managing spine conditions such interarticularis. The defects can ■ Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis as pediatric congenital and idiopathic scoliosis, spondyloly- be unilateral or bilateral and are are common, acquired, secondary to sis and isthmic spondylolisthesis.