Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

• Spondylolisthesis – Degenerative:

  • Degenerative - could be a progression of spondylosis or OA
  • Compromised inter-segmental instability which leads to slippage of a vertebrae over another
  • Most common in 4th - 5th decade
  • more common between L5 and S1 because of lumbar spine biomechanics and L5 is more likely to slip over S1
  • Related to ageing
  • Vertebral body slips forward secondary to:
  • Decreased disc space
  • Weakened ligaments
  • Changes occurring with OA
  • Signs and Symptoms:
  • May be asymptomatic
  • could also have Referred pain, paraesthesia, anaesthesia due to nerve compression