Spondylolysis is the degeneration or deficient development of the articulating part of the vertebrae. Spondylolysis is more common in persons who participate is sports such as diving, weight lifting, wrestling and gymnastics - activities that require repetitive hyperextension. In combination with other factors, spondylolysis may permit forward slippage of one vertebra on the one below, producing a spondylolisthesis. Many young persons with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis may have no symptoms.
Persons often develop symptoms during the preadolescent growth spurt.
Magnitude of symptoms does not always correlate with the severity of slip. Many persons require no treatment for the condition. Persons with spondylolysis or low-grade spondylolisthesis may be managed conservatively without surgery. This is the same type of information that is available to physicians and other health care professionals. 2000 Management of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in the pediatric and adolescent population.