Infantile spondylolysis with spina bifida occulta in athletes

Children with evidenced spondylolysis of the lumbar spine should not practice sport with axial compression strain forces or carry out hyperextensional or rotational movements exercises up to the age of eight to ten years, as this could lead to considerable shearing strain to the still cartilaginous disposition of the vertebral arch and therefore initiate an ossification with resulting incomplete closure of the bony elements of the spine (spina bifida occulta). The associated instability of the dorsal vertebral column may yield spondylolisthesis requiring surgical intervention. Competitive sport should be avoided if possible, or carried out in close collaboration with a coach and a physiotherapist under continuous medical supervision with regular radiological monitoring.