Publication:

Incidence, diagnosis and management of adult cases presenting with symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis in a tertiary care hospital

Background Five lumbar vertebrae bridge between the thoracic and the sacral. The first four are typical in nature and the fifth is of a standalone atypical variety. Normal inward curvatures are observed in both cervical and lumbar regions of the vertebral column. These lordotic curvatures usually help in shock absorption and support the weight of the head. Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. This condition usually develops in the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is due to the lumbar spine being exposed to directional pressures while carrying and distributing most of the body weight during activity and at rest. Such a combination of weight bearing and multidirectional movement may cause forward slippage of any random lumbar vertebra over the vertebra beneath it. The aim of this study was to observe retrospectively adult male and female cases presenting with spondylolisthesis in the outdoor clinic of the Department of Orthopaedics in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods Adult cases of either sex presenting with low back pain were clinically and radiologically investigated. Data regarding age, sex and occupation were recorded.

Results The incidence of symptomatic spondylolisthesis was reported to be 211 out of 5117 cases that presented with low back pain. We observed that majority of cases were in the age group of 23 to57 years with higher preponderance among males. A small fraction of presenting cases were advised for laminectomy.

Conclusions Incidence of symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis was high. Sex ratio among presenting cases was observed to be higher in males. Cases were clinically examined and diagnosed radiologically. Most cases were managed conservatively.