Pars Fracture Healing & Surgery
Jo in Washington, USA, asks:
"Could you give me some idea of how long it takes for a stress fracture in the pars L5 to heal? My daughter has been out of soccer since 2/23 (3 months) and the Doctor said it may never heal. Does this happen? Is there any type of surgery that is commonly successful if it does not heal?"
Colin Natali, Consultant Spinal, Trauma and General Orthopaedic Surgeon at the back2normal back and neck clinic, London, replies:
"This is a significant problem and requires accurate diagnosis and treatment to be instituted.
"Pars fractures can be of several types depending on their region and can either be old or new. These types and the age of the fracture can be differentiated using specific tests such as a CT scan and bone scans.
"If the pars fracture is fresh and does not heal within 2 to 6 months consideration of a surgical pars fusion should be at least discussed. For old pars fractures (older than 6 months), there are typical features and treatment options are to rest patients from sports for up to 12 months until it hopefully heals, (which it often does not), or to proceed to a formal fusion.
"The starting point for all cases is an accurate history and examination. Tests including plain xrays, CT scans, bone scans and MRIs are useful. Treatment then starts with pain killers, physiotherapy and possibly injections BEFORE surgical options are discussed. The majority of patients do not end up having surgery, but it should be remembered that for most patients, simply reducing activities may reduce the level of pain to an acceptable level. This must be balanced with the options of surgery - which does not guarantee a return to high level sporting activities."
Article published: 28th August 2004
Recommended Products for Spondylolysis
Back Supports & Braces
Mueller Back Brace
£33.99 inc VAT
Suitable for everyday use in the treatment and prevention of low back pain. Lightweight and...
(5 reviews)
Vulkan Sciatica Support (Deluxe)
£38.99 inc VAT Was £41.99 Save £3.00 (7%)
Contoured Aerotherm® neoprene back support for improved comfort. Ideal for treatment and prevention of Sciatica and back...
Bauerfeind LumboLoc Forte Back Brace
£156.99 inc VAT
A top-quality stabilising back support, with metal stays, which improves spinal posture, as well as providing superb support and...
PhysioRoom.com Magnetic Waist Support
£12.50 inc VAT Was £39.99 Save £27.49 (69%)
NEW Neoprene back support with enclosed magnets for the treatment and...
(2 reviews)
Mueller Lumbar Back Brace (with removable pad)
£40.99 inc VAT Was £41.99 Save £1.00 (2%)
Features a removable lumbar pad cushion for extra support and stability. Improves posture, prevents...
(2 reviews)
PhysioRoom.com PhysioRoom.com Elite Back Brace
£39.99 inc VAT Was £59.99 Save £20.00 (33%)
NEW ...
(3 reviews)
McDavid Universal Back Support
£45.99 inc VAT
BEST SELLER!Top quality sports and work back support featuring a ventilated...
(7 reviews)
Donjoy BOA Duel TLSO Back Brace
£183.99 inc VAT Was £193.99 Save £10.00 (5%)
The ultimate back brace for back pain and back surgery. Ensures good posture, prevents harmful back twisting and forward bending....
Back Pain Relief
Mentholatum Deep Relief Gel
£6.99 inc VAT Was £7.99 Save £1.00 (13%)
Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild,...
(2 reviews)
Tenscare Touch TENS Machine
£30.99 inc VAT Was £41.99 Save £11.00 (26%)
Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset...
(3 reviews)
Memory Foam Products
ComfortSleep Supreme Visco Elastic Memory Foam Pillow
£36.99 inc VAT
A superior visco elastic, temperature reactive memory foam pillow used to enhance sleep for those with neck problems. Complete...
ExtraComfort Restore Memory Foam Mattress
Prices From £416.99 inc VAT
The ExtraComfort Restore Memory Foam Mattress is a highest quality orthopaedic mattress and can relieve pain due to arthritis,...
Seating Supports
ExtraComfort Coccyx Chair Cushion
£21.99 inc VAT
High quality wedge shaped, high density foam chair cushion with 'cut out' section at the Coccyx (tail bone) region. The Coccyx...
Heat Packs & Wraps
PhysioRoom.com Instant Heat Pack
1+ £1.42
6+ £0.89 (Save 37%)
12+ £0.79 (Save 44%)
24+ £0.59 (Save 58%)
50+ £0.39 (Save 73%)
SAVE UP TO 60%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant single use heat pack. Ideal for soothing warm pain relief....
WHEATeeze Lower Back Warmer
£17.99 inc VAT Was £18.99 Save £1.00 (5%)
Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....
WHEATeeze Full Back Warmer/Cooler
£29.99 inc VAT
Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....
Home Rehab Kit
PhysioRoom.com Water Floatation Belt
£24.99 inc VAT Was £39.99 Save £15.00 (38%)
The Water Floatation Belt is ideal for early non weight bearing cardiovascular training as its...
(1 review)
PhysioRoom.com Foam Water Noodle
£3.99 inc VAT
Made from buoyant, lightweight foam the Foam Water Noodle is ideal for use as a floating and buoyancy device and is suitable for...
Mobilis AquaJogger 100 Floatation Belt
£53.99 inc VAT Was £59.99 Save £6.00 (10%)
The AquaJogger 100 is a floatation belt. One particular benefit is that it allows an early return...
(1 review)
Home Physio Treat your own Back Pain DVD
£16.99 inc VAT
Leading Chartered Physio-
therapist Judith Pitt-Brooke shares her tried and tested back pain self-treatment programme in...
Mobilis Back Stretcher
£31.99 inc VAT Was £52.99 Save £21.00 (40%)
BEST SELLER! Fully adjustable, lightweight and portable back stretching device....
(2 reviews)
Donjoy Chattanooga Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback
£83.08 inc VAT Was £93.99 Save £10.91 (12%)
Provides a visual indication of whether you are working the correct postural muscles, in the right manner, when performing...
Related Articles
Why Shop With Us?
100% Secure
Shopping
Shopping
Money Back
Guarantee
Guarantee
£FREE Delivery
Orders Over £65
Orders Over £65
NEXT DAY Delivery
Order By 2pm
Order By 2pm
FREE Guides
Expert Injury Help
Expert Injury Help
Newsletter
Receive our latest news and offers.
Social Hub
Safe Shopping
We accept the following payment methods
PhysioRoom.com Limited, Unit 1 & 2 Dawson Court, Billington Road, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5UB, England
© Copyright PhysioRoom.com 2011. All rights reserved. Sitemap.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The articles on this web site are provided for general information only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. All exercises and information featured on this web site should only be practised under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
0.37
