Catching the Cause of Low-Back Pain

Abstract

In brief A 19-year-old college catcher reported low back pain after swinging at a pitch. Initial x-rays were negative. However, 6 weeks later, repeat x-rays and a bone scan indicated an L-2 spondylolysis. Treatment consisted of bracing the patient's back for 3 months: 6 weeks without sports participation and 6 weeks with participation while wearing the brace. The patient was asymptomatic after this treatment. X-rays obtained at a follow-up visit 9 months later indicated some healing of the pars defect. This case illustrates that spondylolytic defects may indeed be present but not initially apparent on x-rays.