SPONDYLOLYSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS IN YOUNG GYMNASTS

Objective: To determine the incidence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis among female gymnasts, and to correlate these with lumbar pain, history of trauma and training load. Method: Eighteen competitive-level Olympic-style gymnasts aged 8-17 years, with an average age of 11.3 years, were evaluated on a voluntary basis. The gymnasts answered a questionnaire about their sports activities and underwent a clinical examination and lumbar spine radiography. Results: The radiographs were analyzed by orthopedists specializing in surgery of the vertebral column. The prevalence of spondylolysis was 5.56%, while no cases of spondylolisthesis were found. Conclusion: The incidence of the radiographic abnormalities identified was similar to what has been reported in the literature for non-athletic individuals, and the lumbalgia reported by these athletes did not show any direct relationship with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.