Characteristics of Lumbar Spondylolysis in Adolescent Baseball Players: Relationship between the Laterality of Lumbar Spondylolysis and the Throwing or Batting Side

Abstract

Study Design A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the implications of asymmetric baseball movements on the incidence of spondylolysis. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between asymmetric movements and the laterality of spondylolysis. Overview of Literature Baseball, characterized by its asymmetric throwing and batting, may disproportionately stress one side. Lumbar spondylolysis is a frequent cause of lower back pain in young athletes, particularly those involved in activities with consistent unilateral rotations such as baseball. However, whether a link exists between the laterality in spondylolysis and the dominant throwing/batting side or whether disparities exist between pitchers and fielders remains unclear. Methods The study included 85 players. Participants were divided into two groups: pitchers and fielders. The association between the laterality of spondylolysis and the throwing/batting side in the overall cohort and between the two groups was evaluated. Results Among pitchers, 16 lesions appeared on the throwing side and 32 on the nonthrowing side (p=0.029). For fielders, no notable difference was observed between the two sides (p=0.363). Furthermore, batting preference did not influence the laterality of spondylolysis in either group. Conclusions Adolescent baseball players, particularly pitchers, exhibited a higher incidence of lumbar spondylolysis on the side opposite their throwing arm. The findings of this study highlight the significant effect of asymmetrical sporting activities on the development of spondylolysis, to which pitchers are particularly susceptible.

Keywords

• spondylolysis
• baseball
• throwing
• batting
• laterality