The cause of<unk>  remains unknown, however many factors are thought to contribute to its development. The condition is present in up to 6% of the population, majority of which usually present asymptomatically. Research supports that there are hereditary and acquired risk factors that can make one more susceptible to the defect. The disorder is generally more prevalent in males compared to females, and tends to occur earlier in males due to their involvement in more strenuous activities at a younger age. In a young athlete, the spine is still growing which means there are many ossification centers, leaving points of weakness in the spine. This leaves young athletes at increased risk, particularly when involved in repetitive hyperextension and rotation across the lumbar spine.<unk>  is a common cause of low back pain in preadolescents and adolescent athletes, as it accounts for about 50% of all low back pain. It is believed that both repetitive trauma and an inherent genetic weakness can make an individual more susceptible to<unk> . Risk factors Sports involving repetitive or forceful hyperextension of the spine, especially when combined with rotation are the main mechanism of injury for<unk> . The stress fracture of the pars interarticularis occurs on the side opposite to activity. For instance, for a right-handed player, the fracture occurs on the left side of the vertebrae.<unk>  has a higher occurrence in the following activities: * Baseball * Military service * Tennis * Diving * Cheerleading * Gymnastics * Gridiron Football * Association Football * Wrestling * Weightlifting * Roller Derby * Cricket * Pole Vault * Rugby * Volleyball * Gym * Ultimate Frisbee (especially during impact from laying out) * Ballet * Muay Thai Although this condition can be caused by repetitive trauma to the lumbar spine in strenuous sports, other risk factors can also predispose individuals to<unk> . Males are more commonly affected by<unk>  than females. In one study looking at youth athletes, it was found that the mean age of individuals with spondylolisthesis was 20 years of age.<unk>  also runs in families suggesting a hereditary component such as a predisposition to weaker vertebrae.
Spondylolysis
Spondylosis
Spondylosis deformans
Spondylitis
Osteoarthritis
Spondyloarthropathy
Ankylosing spondylitis
Spondylodiscitis