Anterior displacement of the vertebra in relation to the one below

5 forms:

• Isthmic (most common) - usually acquired in adolescence as a consequence of spondylolysis but often unnoticed until adulthood
• Degenerative
• Traumatic - results from fracture to neural arch
• Pathological - mets or metabolic bone disease
• Dysplastic (rare) - congenital, results from malformation of the pars

Epidemiology

• Most commonly L5 affected, then L4
• Isthmic spondylolisthesis - affects 5% of the population, more common in young athletes. 60-80% of people with spondylolysis have spondylolisthesis
• Degenerative - more common in older people, particularly women
• Traumatic, metastatic and dysplastic spondylolistheses are relatively rare.

Risk factors

• Female
• Trauma
• High impact sports

PC