The Wilste classification of spondylolisthesis is based on the etiology of the slip but does not grade severity nor assist with management 1,2.
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Usage
Typically, when reporting studies with spondylolisthesis, the Wiltse type is merely described without referring to its number, whereas the grade of spondylolisthesis is explicitly stated: e.g. "Grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1" rather than "Grade 1, Type III spondylolisthesis".
Classification
The Wilste classification of spondylolisthesis is as follows 1:
type I (dysplastic/congenital): translation is secondary to an abnormal vertebral arch
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type II (isthmic): translation is secondary to a lesion involving the pars interarticularis
subtype a (lytic): secondary to stress fracture, in most cases attributed to repeated extension and/or twisting motions
subtype b (elongated pars): result of multiple injury/healing events leading to elongation of the pars
subtype c (acute pars fracture): secondary to a single event and is rare
type III (degenerative): result of chronic instability and intersegmental degenerative changes
type IV (post-traumatic): fracture in a region other than the pars leading to slippage
type V (pathological): diffuse or local disease compromising the usual structural integrity that prevents slippage
type VI (iatrogenic)
History and etymology
This classification was proposed by Leon L. Wiltse in 1981 1.