Is Osgood-Schlatter's associated with an increased risk of pars fracture? A retrospective exploratory study of male academy football players.

This retrospective exploratory cohort study investigated the association between Osgood-Schlatter disease and pars interarticularis fractures in elite male academy footballers. Among 341 players, those with a history of Osgood-Schlatter disease were over 19 times more likely to sustain a pars fracture (relative risk: 19.27). Findings suggest Osgood-Schlatter disease may act as a clinically observable risk marker for future spinal pathology. Early identification and management of Osgood-Schlatter disease could help identify those at risk of future pars injuries and may therefore help optimise player health and availability. Further prospective research is warranted to explore underlying biomechanical mechanisms.