Stress fracture of the thoracic spine in an elite rhythmic gymnast: A case report

Abstract

Spondylolysis, a defect or stress fracture of the vertebral pars interarticularis, occurs most frequently in the lower lumbar spine and occasionally in the cervical spine, but is extremely rare inthe thoracic spine. We report the case of a 17 year-old girl, anelite rhythmic gymnast, who reported with early-stage thoracic spondylolysis at T10 and T11 levels. Physicians should be aware that performance of unusual athletic movements, such as those by gymnasts, may lead to spondylolysis in rare locations.