Incidence and Risk Factors for Lumbar Spondylolysis in Adolescent Rugby Players: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent rugby players.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort design over a 9-month season (June 1, 2021-February 28, 2022) was used.

SETTING

A set of adolescent rugby players of male sex participated in this study and physical function examination were measured before injury surveillance.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 185 adolescent rugby players participated in this study.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: Bilateral passive range of motion of the hip, rectus femoris muscle flexibility, hamstring flexibility, and thoracic kyphosis angle were assessed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants were followed for a 9-month season (from June 2021 to February 2022) to determine the injury incidence during matches and training.

RESULTS

A total of 25 players (14.4%) had a lower back injury. The 18 players (72.0%) who reported injuries of the lower back were diagnosed with spondylolysis. A smaller passive hip external rotation range of motion on the right side and larger thoracic kyphosis angle were associated with lumbar spondylolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Restricted hip external rotation flexibility and round posture may be risk factors for lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent rugby players.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort, level 2.