Index of Suspicion
This clinical tool and treatment protocol is designed to recognise and treat stress reactions and fractures of the pars, it is not meant to be a screening tool for all childhood and adolescent back pain.
Not all children and adolescents presenting with back pain need investigation in the first instance, as up to 60% of teenagers report regular back pain. The following questionnaire considers those factors that influence the likelihood of pars pathology, and stratifies this into ‘unlikely’ if the score is less than 5, or ‘likely’ if it is 5 or more. If pars pathology is likely, an MRI scan should be ordered.
Sport Risk Factors
High Risk | Medium Risk |
Gymnastics | Basketball |
Ballet | Volleyball |
Cricket (bowling) | Racquet sports |
Diving | Football codes |
Javelin | Swimming |
Tennis | Rowing |
Equestrian |