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What is Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is the result of aging and wear and tear on the spine. Years of use and overuse can cause parts of the spine to wear out, and then the vertebrae are more prone to slipping. Degenerative spondylolisthesis usually happens at the farthest end of the lumbar spine (low back), especially at L4-L5 (the fourth and fifth vertebrae of the lumbar spine).
Like other types of spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis is given a grade based on how far forward the vertebra has slipped. This grade is important in determining treatment options.
- Grade I is a less than 25% slip
- Grade II is a 25-49% slip
- Grade III is a 50-74% slip
- Grade IV is a 75-99% slip
- Grade V is for a vertebra that has fallen off the vertebra below it (This extreme case of spondylolisthesis is called spondyloptosis.)
Most all degenerative spondylolisthesis is grade I or II. Severe cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis—when the vertebra has slipped forward significantly—can cause spinal stenosis.
