Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents: I. Diagnosis, natural history, and nonsurgical management.

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are often diagnosed in children presenting with low back pain. Spondylolysis refers to a defect of the vertebral pars interarticularis. Spondylolisthesis is the forward translation of one vertebral segment over the one beneath it. Isthmic spondylolysis, isthmic spondylolisthesis, and stress reactions involving the pars interarticularis are the most common forms seen in children. Typical presentation is characterized by a history of activity-related low back pain and the presence of painful spinal mobility and hamstring tightness without radiculopathy. Plain radiography, computed tomography, and single-photon emission computed tomography are useful for establishing the diagnosis. Symptomatic stress reactions of the pars interarticularis or adjacent vertebral structures are best treated with immobilization of the spine and activity restriction. Spondylolysis often responds to brief periods of activity restriction, immobilization, and physiotherapy. Low-grade spondylolisthesis (< or =50% translation) is treated similarly. The less common dysplastic spondylolisthesis with intact posterior elements requires greater caution. Symptomatic high-grade spondylolisthesis (>50% translation) responds much less reliably to nonsurgical treatment. The growing child may need to be followed clinically and radiographically through skeletal maturity. When pain persists despite nonsurgical interventions, when progressive vertebral displacement increases, or in the presence of progressive neurologic deficits, surgical intervention is appropriate.

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents: II. Surgical management.

Surgical management is indicated for children and adolescents with spondylolysis and low-grade spondylolisthesis (< or =50% slip) who fail to respond to nonsurgical measures. In situ posterolateral L5 to S1 fusion is the best option for those with a low-grade slip secondary to L5 pars defects or dysplastic spondylolisthesis at the lumbosacral junction. Pars repair is reserved for patients with symptomatic spondylolysis and low-grade, mobile spondylolisthesis with pars defects cephalad to L5 and for those with multiple-level defects. Screw repair of the pars defect, wiring transverse process to spinous process, and pedicle screw-laminar hook fixation are surgical options. The ideal surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis (>50% slip) is controversial. Spinal fusion has been indicated for children and adolescents with high-grade spondylolisthesis regardless of symptoms. In situ L4 to S1 fusion with cast immobilization is safe and effective for alleviating back pain and neurologic symptoms. Instrumented reduction and fusion techniques permit improved correction of sagittal spinal imbalance and more rapid rehabilitation but are associated with a higher risk of iatrogenic nerve root injuries than in situ techniques. Wide decompression of nerve roots combined with instrumented partial reduction may diminish the risk of neurologic complications. Pseudarthrosis and neurologic injury presenting as L5 radiculopathy and sacral root dysfunction are the most common complications associated with surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in the child and adolescent athlete.

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are common causes of low back pain in the competitive athlete. Repetitive loading of the lumbar spine results in stress reactions and spondylytic defects of the pars interarticularis. Spondylolysis and lesser degrees of spondylolisthesis frequently respond to activity restrictions, bracing (in specific situations), and physiotherapy. Spinal fusion is indicated for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis that remain painful despite nonoperative measures and progressive, high-grade spondylolisthesis. Return-to-play guidelines are made for each athlete individually based on his or her specific diagnosis, response to treatment, and sporting activity.

Ultrasound-guided aspiration of the hip in children: a new technique.

Evaluation of the child presenting with an irritable hip often requires aspiration of the hip. There are various methods for doing this procedure. We present a new technique for hip aspiration using high-resolution ultrasound imaging with color Doppler and a needle guide. This technique maximizes chances for a successful aspiration, minimizes risks to the child, avoids radiation exposure, and is easy to do and teach.