Use of the one-legged hyperextension test and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of active spondylolysis

Abstract

Background: Active spondylolysis is an acquired lesion in the pars interarticularis and is a common cause of low back pain in the young athlete. Objectives: To evaluate whether the one-legged hyperextension test can assist in the clinical detection of active spondylolysis and to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is equivalent to the clinical gold standard of bone scintigraphy and computed tomography in the radiological diagnosis of this condition. Methods: A prospective cohort design was used. Young active subjects with low back pain were recruited. Outcome measures included clinical assessment (one-legged hyperextension test) and radiological investigations including bone s..