Spondylolisthesis (plural: spondylolistheses) denotes the slippage of one vertebra relative to the one below.
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Terminology
Although etymologically it is directionless (see below) and could be applied to both anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis, in practice, however, spondylolisthesis is used synonymously with anterolisthesis. Often, particularly in the lower lumbar spine, it is due to spondylolysis (pars interarticularis defects) 6.
Pathology
Spondylolisthesis can occur anywhere in the vertebral column but is most frequent in the lumbar spine, particularly when due to spondylolysis at L5/S1 ref, and when due to degeneration at L4/5 7.
Radiology report
To adequately describe a spondylolisthesis, both the type (see the classification of spondylolisthesis) and grade (see grading of spondylolisthesis) need to be stated.
History and etymology
Spondylolisthesis is from the Ancient Greek σπονδύλους (spondylous) meaning vertebra and ολίσθηση (olisthesis) meaning slippage 6. Rokistanky (1804-1878), an Austrian pathologist, was the first who described spondylolisthesis in 1839 8.
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