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of CT scans due to the radiation exposure.
Is a full recovery possible with Spondylolysis? Is surgery ever necessary?
Fortunately, most kids with Spondylolysis will make a full recovery
and return to sports. This may require a period of rest from athletics
for three to six months.
In some cases, back pain persists despite an extended period of
conservative treatment. If the symptoms are severe enough and
prevent the patient from returning to sports, surgery may be
necessary. This typically involves repairing the stress fracture by
placing bone graft and screws in the lumbar spine. When back
pain improves and the fracture heals, patients can return to sports,
which is usually six to nine months following surgery.
Are there any long-term negative effects from Spondylolysis?
As patients age and their spine degenerates, they can develop a
slippage of their vertebrae called Spondylolisthesis. The slippage
itself is not much of a problem, but it often causes compression of the
nerves in the lumbar spine. This nerve root compression can cause
sharp pain to radiate down one or both legs. In rare cases, this nerve
compression can cause weakness in the legs. This commonly affects
patients in their 30s to 50s and can be treated with spinal fusion
surgery if they do not respond to more conservative treatment.
Do you have a patient story that has impressed you the most?
I had a patient a few years ago who was injured playing lacrosse and
developed Spondylolisthesis. He needed surgery to fuse his spine
following this injury and was able to return to playing lacrosse
after just nine months.
What online resources would you say are the best for those seeking
additional information?
The Scoliosis Research Society (www.SRS.org) has published the
best information we have on Spondylolysis. Its website has great
patient information if people would like to learn more.
DR. TAD SEIFERT
NORTON NEUROLOGY SERVICES
Concussions and Chronic Traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE) are dominating
the conversation of sports medicine these
days. Concussions happen to hundreds
of thousands of athletes each year and
have devastated the careers of huge stars.
Meanwhile, CTE has been associated with
rapid development of dementia, personality
changes, aggressive behavior and aggression.
Dr. Tad Seifert spoke with GLMS by phone on the newest
developments in sports neurology.
Tell me about Norton’s Sports Neurology Program. How did you come
to direct?
I’ve been with Norton for 10 years. I began as the director of the
Headache and Concussion Clinic. Within three years, my role had
evolved to a more specific focus on sports neurology, an offshoot
of my headache and concussion work. There was a need for sub-
specialization specifically in that area; I focus there.
How many concussions would you estimate your program sees in a
month?
We probably see 100-120 new concussions a month. That’s an
estimate/guess.
Are you still the head of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) Headache Task Force? What are your responsibilities?
Yes, I’m still with the Task Force. I've been given the responsibility
of spearheading research efforts within collegiate athletics: Not just
post-concussive, but also migraines, tension headaches and cluster
headaches. We touch any type of headache across the spectrum.
You seem to be in the right place at the right time. With the NFL being
heavily scrutinized for concussion protocols and the public’s rising
knowledge about the lasting effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
(CTE), do you find it easier to talk to laypersons about the significance
of these injuries?
I think the public has evolved just as much as we have in the medical
community. There’s a night and day difference compared to 10
years ago. The severity and seriousness of potential concussions is
recognized much more. People know that a concussion is truly a
brain injury. It’s well beyond the old idea of just being temporarily
stunned or dazed. I believe we’re lightyears ahead of where we were
a decade ago.
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LOUISVILLE MEDICINE