Spondylolisthesis Definition

• Spondylolisthesis:

  • Spondyl = Vertebra
  • Listhesis = to slip
  • occurs when one of the vertebra is anteriorly displaced compared to the vertebra below it
  • this is most common in L4 and L5 as this is where the vertebrae are more likely to slip forwards because of the posture of the lumbar spine and the weight distribution and biomechanics of the lumbar spine

  
• Spondylolisthesis:

  • (grade 1 to 4 are slips, grade 5 is when the vertebral body has completely fallen off)
  • Grade 1 = 0 - 25%
  • Grade 2 = 25 - 50%
  • Grade 3 = 50 - 75%
  • Grade 4 = 75 - 100%
  • Grade 5 = Spondyloloptosis (vertebral body completely fallen off)
  • the percentages refer to how much displacement of the vertebra has moved in relation to the vertebra below it
• Spondylolisthesis:

  • can present with different presentations in the lumbar spine such as lower back pain, radicular pain and radiculopathy
  • signs and symptoms are more likely to be bilateral than unilateral - because of the slip of the vertebrae its more likely to affect both sides, however one side could be more severe than the other and the pain can be unilateral