Adolescents with symptomatic laminolysis: report of two cases

J Orthop Traumatol. 2010 Sep;11(3):189-93. doi: 10.1007/s10195-010-0101-3. Epub 2010 Aug 19.

Abstract

Retroisthmic cleft refers to a cleft in the lamina and is rarely reported. It was first described by Brocher, and later Wick et al. proposed the term "laminolysis" to describe the retroisthmic cleft by analogy with the nomenclature of the applied stress fracture of the pars interarticularis (spondylolysis) and the pedicle (pediculolysis). In this paper, we describe two adolescent sports players with symptomatic lumbar laminolysis. Both improved significantly after adequate conservative treatment. Knowledge of laminolysis in adolescent patients with low back pain is necessary to avoid overlooking it and late diagnosis. For correct diagnosis, multidetector three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) is suggested. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also allows detection of inflammation in the defects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted*
  • Immobilization / methods
  • Injections, Intra-Articular / methods
  • Lidocaine / therapeutic use
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Lumbar Vertebrae*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Pain Measurement
  • Recovery of Function
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spondylolysis / complications
  • Spondylolysis / diagnosis*
  • Spondylolysis / therapy*
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Steroids
  • Lidocaine