[Jellyhall]

#35047

Hi Dr Corenman,

I had an isthmic spondylolisthesis which led to a fusion and laminectomy of L4/5 12 years ago.
I am now developing degenerative spondylolistheses, just grade 1 at the moment
C2/3 anterolisthesis which moves slightly on flexion/extension x-rays
T12/L1 retrolisthesis
L2/3 retrolisthesis

I am interested to know if there is are specific problems that dictate which type of slip people develop?
Would the symptoms they cause be different?
Do they need to be treated differently?
Is one more serious than the other?
Is one more prone to becoming unstable than the other?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#35048

Forward slips (antero-spondylolisthesis or anterolisthesis) are due to wearing out or fracture of bony restraints called facets. Failure of these allows a forward motion of the vertebrae on top compared to the lower vertebra. A backward movement (retrolisthesis) occurs due to wear or failure of ligamentous tissue such as disc and facet capsule.

Anterolisthesis is much more common than retrolisthesis as the spine “wants” to fall forward due to gravity. A retrolisthesis normally occurs due to forces above the rearward slipped vertebra. Generally an anterolisthesis is more serious as there is bony destruction and a higher chance for neurological compression.

Dr. Corenman

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