Conditions of the Lower Back Quiz

See Spondylolisthesis. Option D is correct. Spondylolisthesis is the anterior (forward) displacement of one vertebra on the vertebra below it, most commonly the fifth lumbar vertebra slipping forwards on the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine). The word comes from the Greek for vertebra and for slipping. Causes fall into five groups: congenital or dysplastic (present from birth), isthmic (a defect in the narrow bridge of bone that joins the upper and lower joint surfaces of the vertebra), degenerative (wear and tear), traumatic and pathological (the bone is weakened by another disease). It may cause no symptoms, but it can cause lower back pain, sciatica and neurogenic claudication, which is pain or tingling in the legs on standing or walking that is relieved by rest. The diagnosis is usually confirmed with a standing X-ray, which shows the displacement. Treatment depends on severity: it often starts with rest, painkillers and physiotherapy, and surgery to fuse the slipped vertebra to its neighbour is reserved for very severe cases.

• Definition: forward displacement of one vertebra on the vertebra below, most commonly the fifth lumbar vertebra on the sacrum.
• Causes: congenital, isthmic, degenerative, traumatic and pathological.
• Symptoms: there may be none, or lower back pain, sciatica and neurogenic claudication.