PARS DEFECT AND THE IMPACT ON YOUNGER CRICKET BOWLERS AND GYMNASTS

What is a PARS defect?

A Pars defect is a stress fracture of the spine that typically occurs in the lower (lumbar) region.

It is typically seen in the younger age-groups (adolescents) who are involved in repetitive back bending or twisting actions such as cricket bowlers or gymnasts.

Typical presentation:

• Participation in sports involving repetitive lumbar extension and rotation.
• Onset of pain either sudden or gradual.
• Aggravated by bending backwards (lumbar extension) or strenuous activity.
• Better with avoiding the activity.
• Pain localised to the lower back.

The vertebra initially responds to increased physical strain of such activity by gradually adding new bone cells around the stressed area of the spine. However, an injury can occur too quickly for the vertebra to be repaired, and this leads to the stress fracture.

Treatment:

• Activity modification/rest.
• Physiotherapy.
• Surgery rarely indicated.