Spondylolisthesis

Description

Spondylolisthesis is defined as forward slipping of a vertebral body on the one below it. Spondylolysis is defined as a defect in the pars interarticularis without vertebral slipping (summary by Wiltse et al., 1975).

Clinical Features

Amuso and Mankin (1967) reported a family in which 5 members in 3 generations had spondylolisthesis of the fifth lumbar vertebra on the first sacral vertebra in association with defects in the posterior spinous processes of the fifth lumbar vertebra and sacrum. Transmission from father to son occurred once.

Shahriaree and Harkess (1970) found spondylolisthesis in a father and 3 sons. The defect was thought to concern the pars interarticularis.

Shahriaree et al. (1979) identified 8 cases of spondylolisthesis and 11 cases of spondylolysis in 4 generations of 1 family. The family contained several examples of male-to-male transmission.

Nordstrom et al. (1986) described spondylolisthesis of the C2 vertebra in a 9-year-old girl and her 37-year-old father.

Inheritance

Unusual postural stresses and a high accident rate may combine with genetic factors in the etiology of spondylolisthesis (Stewart, 1953).

Wiltse et al. (1975) observed spondylolisthesis in a 35-year-old man and his 13-year-old daughter (the proband); his 22-month-old son had spondylolysis. They reviewed reports of spondylolisthesis and suggested a hereditary predisposition to the disorder.

Population Genetics

Spondylolysis of the type that can lead to spondylolisthesis was found to be frequent in Alaskan Eskimos by Stewart (1931).