Teenager with Grade One Spondylolisthesis

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charlies

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My 15 year old daughter has a Grade One Spondylolisthesis. The doctor is suggesting a "Direct Pars Repair". Is there anyone out there who has been diagnosed with the same disorder, or who has a child who has it? Have you had surgery? What type? Please let me know, I would like to find out as much as I can about this disorder and treatment and would be grateful for any information. I have heard mixed information regarding growth. The doctor said she has stopped growing, but I read girls can continue to grow into their 20's. I wonder if she has surgery now, what affect will growing have on the surgery.
I don't know if she should wait for the surgery or if that will cause more problems with her spine in later years.
My daughter wants the surgery so she can go back to gymnastics. I have read that some athletes return to sports after surgery, but common sense tells me, she shouldn't go back. The surgeon acts like it is a minor operation and she will be back to gym in a few months.
Any advice would be welcomed!

Charlie
 
I am sorry that you are going through this - I do not have direct experience with what you are dealing with - I just wanted to say get a second/third/fourth etc. opinion until you find a doctor that you are comfortable with.

Other people
 
I am not familiar with this spinal problem or the fix the doctor has suggested. However, any back surgery is serious and should not be taken lightly. I would find out more from this doctor what the surgery is called and what exactly would be done. Also, I wouldn't let my daughter go through back surgery without getting at least one or more second opinions. It's amazing how many doctors differ significantly on their opinions of the problem and their proposed fixes. Find the one you are most comfortable with before proceeding as you will be stuck with this surgeon afterwarRAB for quite a while as no other doctor will touch a recent back surgery patient that a different surgeon did.

Normally for spondolisthesis I have heard the fix is a fusion which is a really big deal; however, many teenagers are able to bounce back from it quite well. Find out if the fix will involve a fusion of some type.

As far as letting your daughter return to gymnastics, this is a time to remeraber that she is not mature enough to make this decision and you as the parent need to make the decision for her regardless of how much she pressures you. She is at an age where she thinks she is invincible and nothing bad will happen. If something bad did happen though, she could end up with lifelong pain or nurabness, or even in a wheelchair. Again, be sure to get at least one more doctor's opinion about this before making this decision for your daughter.

Best wishes!
 
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