Spondylolisthesis is slipping part of the vertebral column over the column below it. This is usually defined as slipping of one vertebra over another, though not that straightforward.

No vertebra moves individually in the spinal column. In the following figure, you can see the vertebra at the level of pathology being L5.

Here, all the bones attached to L5 that lie above it moves forward and the sacrum and pelvis lags behind.
This condition is divided into many types. Basically, they can be divided into that which occurs during development and the ones acquired.
Symptoms are usually back pain, tightness of thigh muscles and posture problems in the developmental ones. In degenerative type of spondylolisthesis, difficulty in walking, calf pain and weakness or numbness of the feet are observed. X-rays and MRI scans help diagnose the condition.

Most of such conditions can be managed conservatively. Mild varieties are usually treated with a lumbosacral belt, rest for short period and mild analgesics. Severe unresponsive cases require surgery and are usually treated with special titanium screw cage constructs. The surgery aims to prevent further progression and relieve neurological deficits.

These are usually treated with special titanium screw cage constructs. The aim of the surgery is to prevent further progression and relieve the neurological deficits.

Shows a high-grade developmental spondylolisthesis which was operated with special titanium screws.