Spondylolisthesis Types

There are several different types of spondylolisthesis with the most common being congenital spondylolisthesis, isthmic spondylolisthesis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Less common forms of this condition include traumatic, pathological and post-surgical

Men are more likely to develop spondylolisthesis than women, as well as people who are active in physical activities like gymnastics, weightlifting and football. Some children under the age of five may also be pre-disposed to the condition. However, it is more common among children in the 7 to 10 year range. Some types of spondylolisthesis can be worsened from back surgery if the slippage becomes worse. Risk factors include family history of back problems, chronic hypertension, or repetitive trauma to the lumbar spine. If you have had back surgery in the past, your risk of developing this condition and needing spondylolisthesis treatment also significantly increases.

Congenital Spondylolisthesis

Congenital spondylothisthesis, also called dysplastic spondylolisthesis, indicates the condition is present at birth. This type of spondylolisthesis is a birth defect in the articular processes of the vertebra. It most often occurs in the L5-S1 area where the lumbar spine and the sacrum meet. When one of the vertebrae slips forward it is known as anterolisthesis or retrolistesis when it slips backward when compared to the vertebrae adjacent to it.

Spondylolisthesis can lead to a deformity of the spine as well as a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) or compression of the exiting nerve roots (foraminal stenosis). Persistent pain associated with spondylolisthesis can lead to reduced mobility and inactivity. There is also a risk of permanent nerve damage if a slipped vertebra is pressing on a spinal nerve root. Congenital Spondylolisthesis symptoms may include radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakness along the affected nerve pathways.

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Ishmic spondylolisthesis is a form of spondylolisthesis, a spine condition that results when one of the vertebrae slips forward (anterolisthesis) or backward (retrolisthesis) when compared to the vertebrae adjacent to it. Specifically, Ishmic Spondylolisthesis occurs in a portion of the vertebra called the pars interarticularis. (If there is a defect without a slip the condition is called spondylosis.) Isthmic spondylolisthesis can be caused by repetitive trauma and is more common in athletes exposed to hyper-extension motions including gymnasts and football linemen.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a form of spondylolisthesis, a spine condition that results when one of the vertebrae slips forward (anterolisthesis) or backward (retrolisthesis) when compared to the vertebrae adjacent to it. More common in older patients, Degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs due to arthritic changes in the joints of the vertebrae due to cartilage degeneration.

The Bonati Spine Institute encourages patients with spondylolisthesis to contact us to have our medical staff review your MRI scans in order to determine if they are candidates for the Bonati Spine Procedures. Find out why The Bonati Spine Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions when it comes to advanced spine surgery. Your pain from spondylolisthesis can become a thing of the past.