An increasing number of boys and girls are playing recreational and organized sports. As a result, there is a rise in the number of overuse injuries seen among children and adolescents. The majority of sports and overuse injuries are due to minor trauma involving soft tissue injuries--injuries that affect the bone, muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons. One such injury is Spondylolysis, or a pars defect, which is marked by back pain.

Brian Kelly, MD discusses the ways in which Spondylolysis is classified. He shares treatment and prevention advice and when it is important to refer to the specialists at St. Louis Children;s Hospital.