Which types of athletes are most at risk for developing lumbosacral pars interarticularis stress fractures?

Lumbosacral pars interarticularis stress fractures are particularly prevalent among overhead-throwing athletes due to the specific mechanics and demands associated with their sports. The hyperextension and rotational forces that occur during the throwing motion impose significant stress on the lumbar spine. Repeated strain in this region can lead to fatigue and eventual fracture of the pars interarticularis, which is the bony segment connecting the upper and lower facets of the vertebrae.

While endurance runners and weightlifters may experience their own unique stress-related injuries, they are generally not subjected to the same level of repetitive hyperextension and shearing forces that overhead-throwing athletes face. Improper posture in weightlifting could contribute to different types of spinal injuries or stress but does not specifically predispose them to pars interarticularis fractures as prominently as the dynamic movements involved in throwing sports. Therefore, overhead-throwing athletes are at a higher risk for this type of injury compared to other athlete categories.