The pars interarticularis is a small bone that may be simply broken by repetitive stress.
This is why younger athletes are at the next danger of growing a pars defect, because the backbone throughout childhood will increase the possibility of growing stress fractures on this space of the backbone.
In reality, research have proven that as much as 50% of younger athletes who take part in sports activities corresponding to gymnastics, soccer, and weightlifting can develop a pars defect. However, you will need to observe that anybody can develop a pars defect, no matter age or exercise stage.
