An investigation of manual therapy treatment for juvenile spondylolysis

Abstract

Background:A common conservative treatment for early and progressive-stages of juvenile spondylolysis is by a hard corset to provide rigid external support to promote bone union. However, when patients want to continue playing sports, and do not wish to use a hard corset, physiotherapists can offer an alternative conservative management approach, of individualized manual therapy and exercises. Purpose: 1. To investigate the outcome of individualized manual therapy and exercises for juvenile spondylosysis as an alternative to wearing a hard corset. 2. Identify significant prognostic factors for recovery. Methods: Study design: Retrospective audit of patient records from April 2011 to January 2014. Subjects: Male and female adolescent sports players (12–18 years), suffering juvenile spondylolysis. Data extracted from records included initial investigations, treatment decisions, and follow-up over one month. Subjects treated with a hard corset, received nerve block injection, or had complications such as herniated disc or lower limb injury, were excluded. Physiotherapy interventions were stretching exercises for lower limbs, and core stabilization exercises. These exercises were individually graduated to attain an appropriate level of difficulty, without pain. This study reported outcomes from two time points after commencing physiotherapy: