Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis

What is spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolysis/Spondylolisthesis is caused by a disruption of the facet or zygapophyseal joints and is usually the result of a defect in the pars interarticularis (thin part of the lamina located between the superior and inferior articular process). Spondylolysis therefore represents a defect in the pars interarticularis, which usually represents a stress fracture. Spondylolisthesis describes subluxation of one vertebra relative to the vertebrae below and may occur in association with bilateral spondylolysis.

What causes spondylolisthesis?

There continues to be debate as to the actual cause of spondylolisthesis. It may be caused by an inherited defect of the pars interarticularis. Some argue that a subset of the population has a predisposition to develop injury at the pars interarticularis from repetitive or significant trauma. Sports specific activities (ex. gymnastics, weight-lifting, rowing, and football) have also been attributed to causing increased stress to the back.

What are the symptoms associated with spondylolysis/spondylolisthesis?

Most children with spondylolysis and some with spondylolisthesis experience no symptoms and may grow unaware that they have the condition. Back pain is the most common presenting symptom. Growth during the adolescent years coupled with injury may lead to slippage. This slippage may cause biomechanical dysfunction and cause poor posture or changes in gait.

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