Spondylolysis in a professional fast bowler. A case study.

Abstract

Spondylolysis is a common nemesis of the professional cricket fast bowler. This case study demonstrates a series of clinical presentations beginning with spondylolysis in the same professional fast bowler over a one year period. The initial presentation of the injury received chiropractic evaluation and successful management. The second presentation of the patient eight months later was an aggravation of the first injury, but the second presentation did not respond to chiropractic management. Highlighted is the subsequent clinical presentation of the fast bowler two hours prior to sustaining a fracture of the opposite pedicle (left) and the presentation one hour post fracture. The goals of appropriate conservative management are discussed. The role of aberrant intersegmental spinal and sacroiliac joint mobility in the aetiology of spondylolysis is also discussed.