Background: Much of the current literature concerning spondylolysis due to sporting injuries focuses on those sports which are prevalent in North America. This paper reviews the research literature relating to the incidence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in one of New Zealand’s biggest summer sports, cricket.
Literature: Included in this literature review are 12 different articles and one case study investigating the prevalence and etiology of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis and other injuries in young cricketers. Two text books are also referenced for background information. Studies included are predominantly from Australian and English sources in addition to two inclusions from the literature of South Africa and West Indies.
Findings: The articles reviewed disagreed regarding the most common level of the spine to be effected by spondylolysis, however most agreed that the condition was far more likely to occur on the contralateral side from the bowling arm. It was unclear whether workload played an important part in the incidence of spondylolytic injuries.
Conclusions: It is important that chiropractors dealing with adolescent cricketers understand the frequency of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in various sporting activities. Adolescent cricket fast bowlers are at a much higher risk of spondylolytic injuries than the general population. Literature is in general agreement that chiropractic management at the onset of a spondylolytic spondylolisthesis injury is very effective. For second and subsequent injuries, management of the injury additionally requires rest and graduated return to activity. It is important to completely analyze the spine, pelvis and extremities to ensure that correct biomechanical function occurs during the fast bowler’s delivery action.
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