Etymed
spondylolisthesis
Definition
A spinal condition in which one vertebra slips forward or backward relative to the adjacent vertebrae
Clinical context
A 45-year-old warehouse worker presents with lower back pain and bilateral leg pain that worsens with walking. On examination, there is tenderness at the lumbar spine with decreased range of motion. MRI shows L5 vertebra slipped forward relative to S1 vertebra. Patient reports progressive weakness in bilateral legs over the past month.
Mnemonic
SPONDYL-olisthesis: SPONDS forward, LISTHESIS = slipping forward