Spondylolisthesis can be a serious condition depending on its type and cause. The slipping of the vertebra on the other one can cause serious complications. The severity of the condition and the treatment plan can only be determined by the early diagnosis and by identifying the actual cause and type. In some cases, it can be treated without surgery but surgical intervention is required too in various cases.
Here in this article, India’s best neurosurgeon Dr. Kalyan Bommakanti has explained various types of Spondylolisthesis for a better understanding of the condition.
Spondylolisthesis can be classified into various types depending on its etiology described as follows:
1.Congenital Spondylolisthesis:
Congenital refers to something that is present by birth. In this condition, the spine of the baby is premature i.e. not formed properly in the womb resulting in a misaligned and unstable spinal structure. This will lead to the slipping of the vertebra in the future.
2.Degenerative Spondylolisthesis:
Aging is the most common type of this. Degenerative causes occur with time, causing a decrease in the water content of the vertebral discs. This thinning leads to a higher chance of slipping of the vertebra.
3.Isthmic Spondylolisthesis:
Spondylosis is also a common cause of this. The stress fracture of pars interarticularis results in instability of the vertebra hence leading to slipping of it. The type of Spondylolisthesis caused by Spondylosis is called isthmic Spondylolisthesis. Its cause is not exactly known but may be due to excessive stress put on the spine during sports etc.
4.Pathological Spondylolisthesis:
It is caused by any pathological condition in the body such as a bone disease.
5.Traumatic Spondylolisthesis:
This is caused by any injury or trauma.
6.Post-surgical Spondylolisthesis:
During spinal surgery, the vertebra slips out resulting in post-surgical Spondylolisthesis.