Spondylolisthesis describes what movement?

Spondylolisthesis describes what movement?

• A. Backward slippage of a vertebra
• B. Lateral displacement
• C. Forward slippage of a vertebra relative to the one below it
• D. Rotation

Answer: (C)

Spondylolisthesis is described by a forward (anterior) slipping of a vertebral body relative to the vertebra below it, usually in the lumbar spine and in the sagittal plane. This forward slippage differentiates it from backward slippage (retrolisthesis), lateral displacement (side-to-side shift), or rotation (twisting). The forward slip can occur due to pars interarticularis defects or degenerative changes, leading to potential nerve irritation or canal/foraminal narrowing.

Spondylolisthesis is described by a forward (anterior) slipping of a vertebral body relative to the vertebra below it, usually in the lumbar spine and in the sagittal plane. This forward slippage differentiates it from backward slippage (retrolisthesis), lateral displacement (side-to-side shift), or rotation (twisting). The forward slip can occur due to pars interarticularis defects or degenerative changes, leading to potential nerve irritation or canal/foraminal narrowing.