Alleviation of Chronic Low Back Pain due to Bilateral Traumatic L4 Pars Interarticularis Fractures Relieved With Steroid Injections

Chronic back pain affects 20% of the adult population in the United States and is a significant source of disability and healthcare expenditure. One of the most common causes of chronic back pain is spondylosis. These changes result from age-related degeneration of the lumbar spine. As a result of this degeneration, spondylolisthesis can develop. Spondylolysis is a fracture of the pars interarticularis. It affects younger patients and is more prevalent in adolescents and elite athletes. It can be a debilitating condition that may force athletes into retirement as well as impair them with chronic pain and disability. Traditional treatment options include conservative management such as medications, rest, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Surgery is reserved for patients who do not respond to conservative measures. Here we present the case of a 39-year-old mixed martial arts fighter with bilateral L4 pars interarticularis fractures and chronic low back pain. After failing conservative treatment options, this patient finally obtained significant relief with steroid injections at the level of the defect. The patient continues to do well with occasional injections and is able to maintain his mixed martial arts career. This case report provides evidence that injection therapy is a feasible alternative to surgery in patients who fail conservative therapy.