Combined dysplastic and isthmic spondylolisthesis: possible etiology

Four cases of combined dysplastic and higher-level isthmic spondylolisthesis were studied. To attempt to understand the possible etiology of this unreported combination. Dysplastic spondylolisthesis is thought to be hereditary. It is believed that isthmic spondylolisthesis, the more common type, is...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Pa. 1976), 2001-12, Vol.26 (23), p.E542-E546
Main Authors: Al-Khawashki, H, Wasef Al-Sebai, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Orthopedic Fixation Devices
Radiography
Spine - diagnostic imaging
Spine - surgery
Spondylolisthesis - classification
Spondylolisthesis - complications
Spondylolisthesis - diagnostic imaging
Spondylolisthesis - etiology
Spondylolysis - complications
Spondylolysis - diagnostic imaging
Citations: Items that this one cites
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Four cases of combined dysplastic and higher-level isthmic spondylolisthesis were studied. To attempt to understand the possible etiology of this unreported combination. Dysplastic spondylolisthesis is thought to be hereditary. It is believed that isthmic spondylolisthesis, the more common type, is acquired. Multiple spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis have been reported, but no cases of combined dysplastic and isthmic spondylolisthesis. The global and segmental Cobb angles of the lumbar vertebrae and sagittal vertical alignment were measured in four patients who presented with lower back pain and varying degrees of pain radiation to the lower limb. Posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were taken with patients standing barefooted. Three of the patients underwent surgery. The fourth patient refused surgery. The global and segmental Cobb angles were found significantly increased in these patients. Increased segmental extension angles were clearer at the levels above the dysplastic vertebrae and at the level of the isthmic defect. Large anterior translation of the thorax was noted in all cases. The authors believe that this unusual combination may have resulted from hyperlordosis occurring above the dysplastic vertebrae, which caused increased stresses that led to the isthmic defect. This combination should be investigated in patients with dysplastic spondylolisthesis and hyperlordosis.
ISSN:0362-2436
DOI:10.1097/00007632-200112010-00021