Best Practice Case Studies-Spine

Pdf Summary

The document provides clinical scenarios focusing on adolescent athletes experiencing low back pain, particularly related to activities that involve back extension. The cases are used to highlight diagnostic considerations and management for conditions often encountered in this demographic, specifically spondylolysis.<br /><br />In the first study question, a 16-year-old female tennis player reports progressive low back pain exacerbated by serving. The key anatomic structure affected, as discussed in the solution, is the pars interarticularis. This relates to spondylolysis, a stress fracture typical in athletes engaging in sports requiring significant lumbar extension. The pain is localized, lacks systemic symptoms, and x-rays may reveal specific changes at the affected site.<br /><br />The second study question details a 14-year-old gymnast with increasing back pain and specific examination findings. The appropriate initial diagnostic test recommended is the anterior-posterior and lateral plain radiographs of the lumbar spine, as they can reveal spondylolisthesis if present, while remaining low cost with minimal radiation. Although these x-rays often fail to show spondylolysis, they set the stage for further evaluation. There’s a mention of using oblique views historically but highlights they are less preferred due to increased radiation without significant diagnostic advantage. MRI, SPECT, and CT scans are considered as subsequent steps under specific circumstances.<br /><br />These cases underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing overuse injuries in young athletes, emphasizing the need for proper diagnosis and conservative management to prevent complications and ensure safe participation in sports.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 54

Topic Spine

Keywords

adolescent athletes

low back pain

back extension

spondylolysis

pars interarticularis

lumbar extension

diagnostic test

radiographs

overuse injuries

conservative management

3rd Edition

3rd Edition, CASE 54

Spine