Spondylolisthesis
1,530views
High Yield Notes
15 pages
Flashcards
Spondylolisthesis
of complete
Questions
USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE
of complete
USMLE® Step 2 style questions USMLE
of complete
A 16-year-old boy presents to the clinic for evaluation of low back pain. The patient is participating in gymnastics training and has had difficulty preparing for an upcoming competition due to persistent low back pain that is worse with movement and relieved with rest. The patient is otherwise healthy. He has not had any recent injury or trauma. Vital signs are within normal limits. On physical examination, the low back is noted to be hyperlordotic. Pain is elicited with passive extension of the back. The straight leg test is negative bilaterally. A radiograph of the lumbar spine is shown below. Which of the following best describes the etiology of this patient’s clinical presentation?
Image reproduced from Wikimedia Commons
Image reproduced from Wikimedia Commons
Memory Anchors and Partner Content
Summary
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when one vertebra in the spine slips forward over the vertebra below it. This condition most commonly affects the lower back, particularly in the lumbar spine, and can result in lower back pain and sciatica.
Common causes of spondylolisthesis include congenital defects, degenerative changes, trauma, and repetitive stress such as gymnastics or weightlifting. Symptoms include lower back pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and numbness or tingling in the legs. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, and imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Treatment may involve pain medications, physical therapy, or surgery.