Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in Athletes

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis remain 2 of the most commonly encountered clinical entities in athletes complaining of low back pain. There has been particular attention devoted to these diagnoses in adolescent athletes; however, they pervade all levels of competition. Bone scan with single-photon emission computed tomography imaging and magnetic resonance imaging remain the diagnostic modalities of choice. Conservative care remains the mainstay of treatment with very selective indications for surgery.