Report on twelve-week MRI: has the oedema resolved and the defect healed? YesNoThe brace should be removed. Rehabilitation is now focussed on full body strength and conditioning and sport specific exercise for full return to activity. The length of this stage is typically around nine weeks but depends on factors such as age, physical development and level of sports participation.A CT scan can be considered to more definitively determine cortical defect healing. For these patients, return to high risk sports is delayed for up to three months. Health care professionals working with athletes should collaborate with coaches, trainers, and the athletes to provide an individualised program. A patient with an established pars defect with no prospect of healing with ongoing pain despite appropriate rehabilitation may be suitable for surgery. Further discussion is beyond the scope of this website.Next
