Spondylolysis and isthmic spondylolisthesis of the lower lumbar vertebrae in children and adolescents

Introduction The problem of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in children is caused by many factors, with difficulties in producing a timely clinical diagnosis appearing to be the most significant of these factors. Materials and methods Overall, 98 children between the age of 3 and 18 years with the diagnosis of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis of the lower lumbar vertebrae were examined. The patients’ complaints, medical histories, and the results of clinical and radiation diagnosis were evaluated. Results It was determined that the pathology occurred with greater frequency in boys (65.3 %). Diagnosis occurred with the same frequency in children aged 10-15 years and 15-18 years (39.79 % and 41.85 %), respectively. Conclusion Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis need further study to reduce the problem severity not only in the pediatric population but in adult patients as well.