Spondylitis is an inflammation of a vertebral body in the spine. Spondylolysis represents the separation of a portion of a vertebra. Both of these conditions are commonly seen in children, particularly those who are athletic. When children suffer from back pain and standard x-rays are normal, then bone scanning is usually indicated. The same may be said of children who suffer from pain in their legs.
Stress fractures represent incomplete breaks in the bone.
They are often painful and are commonly seen in those who run as part of an athletic event. The bone scan easily identifies the majority of stress fractures, even those not identified on plain x-rays. Tomograms of a child with lower back pain. The hot spot seen in the lower spine is spondylitis. Unfortunately, in today's society child abuse is a reality.