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Introduction to Spondylolisthesis
Incidence of Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolysis is present in approximately 4-6% of asymptomatic school children. It is rarely seen before the age of 4 and the incidence goes up with age. By the age of 18, the incidence of spondylolysis is approximately 7% with prevalence appearing in individuals who practice sports that require repetitive hyperextension or flexion and extension the spine. Spondylolysis is twice as common in males as females but females are more likely to exhibit progressive slippage of the vertebra.
Approximately 87% of cases of isthmic spondylolisthesis occur at the level of L5-S1 while close to 10% occur at L4-L5 and up to 3% occurs at the level of L3-L4. It is estimated that up to 50% of cases of spondylolysis progress and develop into spondylolisthesis. Degenerative spondylolisthesis occurs most commonly at the level of L4-L5 and is found more frequently in females than males at an approximate ratio of 5:1.
Spondylolisthesis is not associated with increased mortality.
