What Are the Five Types of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

Lumbar spondylolisthesis, also known as a slipped vertebra, is a medical condition that occurs when a vertebra slips out of alignment with the rest of your spine. It can cause pain and lead to complications that impact your overall health and quality of life. Lumbar spondylolisthesis has many causes and classifications. Here is what you should know.

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis by Grade

While lumbar spondylolisthesis can stem from many root causes, any case can be classified according to the severity of slippage in the spine. The five grades are as follows:

• Grade I: A forward slip between 1 and 25%.
• Grade II: A forward slip between 26 and 50%.
• Grade III: A forward slip between 51 and 75%.
• Grade IV: A forward slip between 76 and 99%.
• Grade V: A slip where the vertebra comes entirely off of the spinal column.

Regardless of severity, any case of lumbar spondylolisthesis needs medical attention to receive proper treatment. In minor cases, you can prevent exacerbation. In extreme cases, emergency surgery becomes necessary.

The Six Sources of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

While that covers the five types of lumbar spondylolisthesis, there is another classification system that focuses on the root causes of the condition. This classification includes six fields that go as follows:

• Congenital or dysplastic Spondylolisthesis: This condition stems from a birth defect that weakens the joints. It does not always manifest early. Since the joint is weakened, everyday movement, such as twisting or bending, can create misalignment.
• Isthmic Spondylolisthesis:  Isthmic separation comes from stress fractures. The fractures most commonly occur in children between the ages of five and seven years. The challenge is that the weakness builds over time, and lumbar spondylolisthesis often doesn’t occur until adulthood.
• Degenerative Spondylolisthesis:  Any joint can degenerate with age. When that happens in the spine, it can lead to lumbar spondylolisthesis. These cases often pair with osteoarthritis.
• Traumatic Spondylolisthesis:  Sudden injury can cause a spinal slip. This can come from a fall, hit, car accident, or any other sudden force.
• Pathologic Spondylolisthesis:  Underlying diseases, such as Paget’s Disease, can create weakness in the joint that leads to a vertebra slip.
• Iatrogenic Spondylolisthesis: This stems from a surgical error that weakens the joint.

Contact Texas Neurosurgery LLP today

If you have any reasons to believe you might suffer from lumbar spondylolisthesis, contact Texas Neurosurgery LLP in Dallas, TX, by calling 214-823-2052 to schedule an appointment. Our board-certified neurosurgeon will be able to make a timely diagnosis of your condition and determine the most appropriate treatment to help you find relief.