J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2010 Mar;17(1):38-48. 10.4184/jkss.2010.17.1.38.

Current Concept on the Classification and Treatment of Spondylolisthesis

• Lee JC
• Shin BJ

• KMID: 2003098
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/jkss.2010.17.1.38

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: A review of literature including classification and treatment of spondylolisthesis.
OBJECTIVES
To review and discuss the classification and management of spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Spondylolisthesis is one of the common spinal disorders that can create significant problems for the patients and spine surgeons, but there have been confusion of natural history and treatment strategies. It can be attributed to the absence of etiology-based classification system for individual patient prognosis and treatment decision.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Review of literature.
RESULTS
Marchetti and Bartolozzi have developed an etiology-based classification which has two main categories; developmental and acquired. These two types of spondylolisthesis seem to have significantly different natural histories and each of them needs different strategies for treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Authors recommend using Marchetti and Bartolozzi classification system for spondylolisthesis patients.

Keyword

Lumbar spine; Spondylolisthesis; Classification; Treatment

MeSH Terms

Classification*
Humans
Natural History
Prognosis
Spine
Spondylolisthesis*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Comparison of Marchetti-Bartolozzi's classification with Wiltse's.

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  Fig. 2. Stress concentration on the pars during flexion and extension

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  Fig. 3. MRI sagittal view of high dysplastic spondylolisthesis in a 16-year-old girl. Note the trapezoidal L5 and rounding of S1 upper end plate

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  Fig. 4. Lateral view of low dysplastic spondylolisthesis in adult

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  Fig. 5. Low dysplastic spondylolisthesis in 42-year-old man. Note the spur formation on the anterior aspect of S1.

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  Fig. 6. Postsurgical spondylolisthesis. A 62-year-old woman had laminectomy on L4-5 2 years ago. Spondylolisthesis of L4 on L5 has been developed. Pre-laminectomy (A, B) and follow-up (C, D) AP and lateral views.

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  Fig. 7. Low dysplastic spondylolisthesis in 66-year-old man. Note marked narrowing of disc space with foraminal stenosis at L4-5 level.

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  Fig. 8. Measurement of slip by Meyerding scale (A) and Taillard grading (B)

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  Fig. 9. Slip angle is important only for high dysplastic spondylolisthesis

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  Fig. 10. Lumbar index=(A/B)×100

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