This catchall category includes both anterolisthesis (forward shifting) and the less common retrolisthesis (backward shifting).
In addition, Black Americans tend to experience this condition at a higher rate than the general population.
Note that when health authorities are cited, the terms for sex or gender from the source are used.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of anterolisthesis begins with a subjective evaluation and a physical exam.
Your healthcare provider will typically assess your sensation, strength, and reflexes during this time.
Treatment
Several factors play a role in deciding how to treat anterolisthesis.
Prognosis
Anterolisthesis is generally not considered to be a serious problem.
Mild cases typically cause minimal (if any) symptoms and are well-managed with the conservative treatments described above.
Cases of unstable anterolisthesis or those with neurological compression commonly need surgical intervention.
These operations strive to restore stability to the spine and alleviate any pressure on the spinal nerves.
Once they have ruled out any red flags, your healthcare provider may suggest one of several coping strategies.
This condition can be mild and asymptomatic or cause significant pain and neurological symptoms.
Those with severe cases or who fail to improve may need spinal injections or a surgical procedure.
Koslosky E, Gendelberg D.Classification in brief: the meyerding classificationsystem of spondylolisthesis.Clin Orthop Relat Res.
2020;478(5):1125-1130. doi:10.1097/CORR.0000000000001153
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Adult spondylolisthesis in the low back.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Spondylolisthesis.
