Puneet Varma (Editor)

Spondylolisthesis

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Specialty
  
Orthopedics

ICD-9-CM
  
738.4, 756.12

DiseasesDB
  
12318

ICD-10
  
M43.1, Q76.2

OMIM
  
184200

MedlinePlus
  
001260

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis /ˌspɒndᵻloʊlᵻsˈθiːsᵻs/ SPON-dill-oh-lis-THEE-sis is the forward or anterior displacement of one vertebra over another, and commonly involving the fifth lumbar vertebra. Backward displacement is referred to as retrolisthesis. When occurring in conjunction with scoliosis, the shortened term "olisthesis," may sometimes be used instead.

Contents

A hangman's fracture is a specific type of spondylolisthesis where the second cervical vertebra (C2) is displaced anteriorly relative to the C3 vertebra due to fractures of the C2 vertebra's pedicles.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis include:

  • A general stiffening of the back and a tightening of the hamstrings, with a resulting change in both posture and gait.
  • A leaning-forward or semi-kyphotic posture may be seen, due to compensatory changes.
  • A "waddle" may be seen in more advanced causes, due to compensatory pelvic rotation due to decreased lumbar spine rotation.
  • A result of the change in gait is often a noticeable atrophy in the gluteal muscles due to lack of use.
  • Generalized lower-back pain may also be seen, with intermittent shooting pain from the buttocks to the posterior thigh, and/or lower leg via the sciatic nerve.

    • Other symptoms may include tingling and numbness. Coughing and sneezing can intensify the pain. An individual may also note a "slipping sensation" when moving into an upright position. Sitting and trying to stand up may be painful and difficult.

    Classification

    Spondylolisthesis can be categorized by cause, location and severity.

    By causes

  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis (a.k.a. type 3) is a disease of the older adult that develops as a result of facet arthritis and joint remodeling. Joint arthritis, and ligamentum flavum weakness, may result in slippage of a vertebra. Degenerative forms are more likely to occur in women, persons older than fifty, and African Americans.
  • Traumatic spondylolisthesis is rare and results from acute fractures in the neural arch, other than the pars.
  • Dysplastic spondylolisthesis (a.k.a. type 1) results from congenital abnormalities of the upper sacral facets or inferior facets of the fifth lumbar vertebra, and accounts for 14% to 21% of all spondylolisthesis.
  • Isthmic spondylolisthesis (a.k.a. type 2) is caused by a defect in the pars interarticularis but it can also be seen with an elongated pars.
  • Pathologic spondylolisthesis (a.k.a. type 5) is caused by either infection or a malignancy.
  • Post-surgical/iatrogenic spondylolisthesis (a.k.a. type 6) is caused by complications after surgery.

    • By location

    Spondylolisthesis location includes which vertebrae are involved, and may also specify which parts of the vertebrae are affected.

    Isthmic spondylolisthesis is where there is a defect in the pars interarticularis. It is the most common form of spondylolisthesis; also called spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, it occurs with a reported prevalence of 5–7 percent in the US population. A slip or fracture of the intravertebral joint is usually acquired between the ages of 6 and 16 years, but remains unnoticed until adulthood. Roughly 90 percent of these isthmic slips are low-grade (less than 50 percent slip) and 10 percent are high-grade (greater than 50 percent slip). It is divided into three subtypes:

  • A: pars fatigue fracture
  • B: pars elongation due to multiple healed stress fx
  • C: pars acute fracture

    • Severity

    Classification by degree of the slippage, as measured as percentage of the width of the vertebral body:

  • Grade I: 0-25%
  • Grade II: 25- 50%
  • Grade III: 50-75%
  • Grade IV: 75-100%
  • Grade V: greater than 100%

    • Conservative management

    Patients with symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis are initially offered conservative treatment consisting of activity modification, pharmacological intervention, and a physical therapy consultation.

  • Physical therapy can evaluate and address postural and compensatory movement abnormalities.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) in combination with paracetamol (Tylenol) can be tried initially. If a severe radicular component is present, a short course of oral steroids such as Prednisone or Methylprednisolone can be considered. Epidural steroid injections, either interlaminal or transforaminal, performed under fluoroscopic guidance can help with severe radicular (leg) pain. Lumbosacral orthoses may be of benefit for some patients but should be used on a temporary basis to prevent spinal muscle atrophy and loss of proprioception.

    • Surgical

    Degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis is one of the most common indications for spine surgery (typically a laminectomy) among older adults. Both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques are used to treat spondylolisthesis.

    History

    Spondylolisthesis was first described in 1782 by Belgian obstetrician Herbinaux. He reported a bony prominence anterior to the sacrum that obstructed the vagina of a small number of patients. The term “spondylolisthesis” was coined in 1854 from the Greek σπονδυλος, "spondylos" = "vertebra" and ὀλισθός "olisthos" = "slipperiness," "a slip."

    References

    Spondylolisthesis Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA