Rest Before Physical Therapy in Adolescents With Active Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

Study Summary

This is a retrospective chart review with a short follow-up phone questionnaire for our patients who have been treated by Nationwide Children's Hospital physical therapy and sports medicine for a spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis injury. Currently, no research exists to guide referral for safe physical therapy rehabilitation for patients with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis injuries. By performing this retrospective study the investigators can gain information to better guide physical therapy referral time. This may also serve as foundation for a future prospective randomized trial. Currently, Nationwide Children Hospital physicians vary from immediate referral to physical therapy to 3 + months of rest prior to beginning therapy. By performing a retrospective chart review assessing time to referral to therapy and patient outcomes the investigator can gain some guidance for when it is safe to prescribe physical therapy rehabilitation for patients with spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis injuries. Patients with an active spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis injury who are referred to physical therapy early will return to activity/sport sooner without increased risk of adverse reaction.

Primary Outcome

Number of days the patient is at rest per doctor's orders prior to time to return sport. Return to sport is decided by physician's Activity Recommendation for full return to participation. If the physician requests modified participation in their last note, return to sport will be decided by Physical therapist notes. If no mention of full return to sport is made by the physical therapist then the last day of physical therapy will be considered the day the patient made a full return to sport. (Th

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• OTHER Physical Therapy

Study Locations (4)