[Study] Asymmetry in Lumbar Spondylolysis Among Adolescent Baseball Players

Lumbar spondylolysis, a fatigue fracture of the lumbar spine, is one of the most common sports injuries during adolescence, particularly among young athletes. This condition, which often results in chronic low back pain, necessitates the suspension of sports activities during treatment, making early detection and prevention crucial.

A recent study published in the Asian Spine Journal investigated the occurrence of lumbar spondylolysis among adolescent baseball players, focusing on the differences between pitchers and fielders. The study revealed significant findings regarding the laterality of these fractures in relation to pitching and batting activities.

Conducted as a retrospective, cross-sectional study, the research analyzed 85 adolescent male baseball players diagnosed with lumbar spondylolysis.

Participants were divided into two groups: pitchers and fielders. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between asymmetric movements, such as throwing and batting, and the laterality of spondylolysis.

The results indicated that lumbar spondylolysis occurred more frequently on the nonpitching side in pitchers. Specifically, among pitchers, 16 lesions appeared on the throwing side and 32 on the nonthrowing side.

“In right-handed pitchers, a right lumbar rotation occurs simultaneously with extension during throwing, which is thought to concentrate stress on the pars interarticularis on the left side.”

For fielders, however, there was no significant difference in the frequency of lumbar spondylolysis between the batting and nonbatting sides.

The study highlighted that the lumbar pars interarticularis, where spondylolysis occurs, is repeatedly stressed on the nonpitching side more in pitchers than in fielders. This finding underscores the significant effect of asymmetrical sporting activities on the development of spondylolysis, to which pitchers are particularly susceptible.

The research group, which has extensively studied adolescent lumbar spondylolysis, has reported various findings on the condition, including the accuracy of diagnostic imaging, bone union rates of conservative treatment, characteristics of patients who did not respond to conservative treatment, and the development of new surgical methods.

The dissemination of these results to players, coaches, parents, and others involved in adolescent sports is needed. By understanding the specific risks and patterns associated with lumbar spondylolysis in baseball players, particularly pitchers, those involved can implement more effective prevention and early detection strategies to protect young athletes from this debilitating condition.

Read the full study here!