Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis for Postgraduate Orthopaedic Exams

Description

This lecture discusses lumbar spondylitis and spondylolisthesis, particularly focusing on its causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. It highlights lumbar spondylitis as a common cause of back pain among adolescents—especially active individuals like athletes. The speaker elaborates on different types of spinal lysis, emphasizing the stress fracture type, which results from repetitive hyperextension. Diagnostic techniques include X-ray imaging to visualize the 'Scottish dog' sign, CT scans for active defects, and MRI for examining disk spaces. Treatments typically start with conservative measures such as analgesics, activity restriction, and physiotherapy. If conservative management fails, further imaging is warranted for surgical decision-making. The lecture also covers classifications of spondylolisthesis, differentiates between types, and outlines surgical indications, stressing the importance of pelvic balance in surgical outcomes. The session concludes with questions addressed to the audience, covering braces for spondylitis, physiotherapy recommendations, and clarifications regarding idiopathic scoliosis management.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-221164

Specialties