Assessment of the Prevalence of Paediatric Spondylolysis.

Aim: To determine the frequency of spondylolysis (SLi) in children examined due to trauma, which has not been reported before in Turkey, and to discuss the demographic features of these cases together with accompanying secondary pathologies.

Material and methods: Between January 2013 and June 2023, lumbar computed tomography (CT) scans performed due to trauma for children aged between 0 and 18 years were evaluated. Demographic data of the patients, the unilateral or bilateral occurrence of SLi, and additional findings detected on CT scans were recorded. Differences between Turkish citizens and Syrian immigrants were also assessed.

Results: From lumbar CT scans performed for children aged 0-18 years, the prevalence of SLi was found to be 5.8%. The prevalence was significantly higher in boys and it increased with age, with significantly higher rates in the age group of 11-18 years compared to younger children. Although the difference between Turkish and Syrian children was not statistically significant, Syrian children showed a numerically higher incidence of SLi. Among SLi cases, the rate of spondylolisthesis was 33.3%, and it was significantly more prevalent in cases of bilateral SLi than cases of unilateral SLi. Spina bifida was significantly more common among patients with SLi than those without.

Conclusion: The prevalence of SLi in children is affected by some demographic characteristics. However, the rate did not differ between Turkish and Syrian children. Spondylolisthesis and spina bifida were significantly more common in patients with SLi than in the normal paediatric population.