On Alex Kirilloff's Back Injury

[Lucas Seehafer PT]

Alex Kirilloff has retired. The former top prospect announced on Thursday that he is dealing with a spondylolisthesis in his lower back that will require surgery to correct. What does that mean?

Image courtesy of © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Alex Kirilloff was placed on the injured list in mid-June with what was described as an “unspecified back issue.” He stated that he had been dealing with the back injury since the beginning of the season, but his symptoms worsened, including the onset of nerve pain in his leg, leading to the IL placement. He did not appear in a game after Jun. 11.

“During my career, I’ve encountered numerous injuries, which led me to search for new ways to overcome the pain constantly. These challenges have taken a toll on me, mentally and physically,” Kirilloff wrote, in a statement published by the Twins on Twitter. “As I navigate the recovery process for my current lower back injury, I’m excited to focus more on my family and explore new opportunities.”

A spondylolisthesis (“spondylo” meaning spine and “listhesis” meaning slippage) occurs when a portion of the spinal column shifts forward relative to the rest of the bones. This most commonly occurs where the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae or the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum meet, as the small forward curvature places increased stress on certain portions of the bone. Significant shifting occurs when the portion of the bone holding the vertebrae together (known as the pars interarticularis) fractures, resulting in compression on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.

Pars interarticularis injuries are relatively common in baseball, as repetitive and combined lumbar extension and rotation (as occurs in swinging and throwing) inflict significant force throughout the bone. If the body can't compensate and remodel in the face of such forces, bony breakdown occurs, leading to a stress reaction and (if untreated) a stress fracture. The pars interarticularis exists on both sides of the spine, so a fracture of both can lead to significant spondylolisthesis. If only one is fractured, the slippage is often less pronounced or non-existent.

Treatments for this condition vary from rest and rehabilitation to repair of the pars interarticularis and spinal fusion. Regardless of the procedure and treatment plan, in the long term, Kirilloff will be able to live a happy, pain-reduced (and hopefully pain-free) life. Which, ultimately and inarguably, is what is most important. It's a shame that he'll no longer be able to play pro baseball, but he made the right decision for himself and his family, under the circumstances.

View full article

[Chad Freyer]

I would have serious doubts about my long term health if if was drafted by or traded to the Minnesota Twins. Life is too short. 

[Linus]

As always these articles are much appreciated. 

[sampleSizeOfOne]

I hope he can get healthy, and we will sure miss him!

And i like to think that the Twins perhaps more conscientious of injuries than some organizations? 

So i like to think it a good thing to wind up with the Twins if you have unusual health needs? But what do I know...

 

Hope he still maintains some connection to the Twins if he so desires.

[PDX Twin]

This makes me really, really sad.

[Rich U]

I've had a surgery very similar to what Alex is facing where I had L4 & L5 fused to prevent further slippage. I can certainly attest to the leg pain one feels with this condition (terrible) and the relative inability to perform any act that baseball would require. I am several decades older than Alex and can also say that he should recover well enough to do any activity he wants to do for the rest of his life and send out prayers for a speedy recovery! He's a great kid!!

[tony&rodney]

8 hours ago, Chad Freyer said:

I would have serious doubts about my long term health if if was drafted by or traded to the Minnesota Twins. Life is too short. 

I don't think you need to be too worried about that.

[Old Crow]

It makes you wonder what might have been sort of like the career of John Castino back in the early 80s.

[TopGunn#22]

He had such a sweet looking swing !!!  Maybe he will attempt a comeback when he's been away from the game for two years.  Maybe he'll be tearing the cover off the ball for some town team and a major league team will come calling.  This happens for pitchers with some degree of regularity.  Less so for hitters.  I wish him a full recovery and all the best.  

[MN_ExPat]

Thanks Lucas.  As always, these articles are super informative and greatly appreciated.

As a parent of a player in college, I can also attest to the amounts of pain and discomfort so many of these players are dealing with on a daily basis.  While I dread the day that my sons playing days are finished and he hangs up his spikes, a big part of me will also welcome not having to watch him grit through various maladies, aches, and injury scares.

Alex made the right decision.  God Speed young man, prayers and blessings upon you and your family.

[MALKITT]

I had the pleasure of watching Alex Kiriloff play for the Ft. Myers Miracle, when I ran the scoreboard at Hammond Stadium. A really great kid who I can only wish all the best to.