spondylolisthesis

spon·dy·lo·lis·the·sis   (spŏn'dl-ō-lĭs-thē'sĭs)    n.  Forward displacement of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae over the vertebra below it or on the sacrum. [New Latin spondylolisthēsis : Greek spondulos, vertebra + Greek olisthēsis, dislocation, slipping (from olisthanein, to slip).]

Main Entry: spon·dy·lo·lis·the·sis
Pronunciation: "spän-d&-lO-lis-'thE-s&s
Function: noun
: forwarddisplacement of a lumbar vertebra on the one below it and especially of the fifth lumbar vertebra on the sacrum producing pain by compression of nerve roots

spondylolisthesis spon·dy·lo·lis·the·sis (spŏn'dl-ō-lĭs-thē'sĭs)
n.
Forward displacement of one of the lower lumbar vertebrae over the vertebra below it or over the sacrum.

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spon'dy·lo·lis·thet'ic (-thět'ĭk) adj.

spondylolisthesis

forward slipping of one of the vertebrae on the subjacent vertebra or on the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spinal column. The most common vertebrae involved are the lumbar (lower back). The condition is often associated with degenerative joint disease or with abnormalities of the vertebral column, which surrounds the spinal cord. Pressure transmitted to the vertebral column from above encourages slippage. Deformity (lordosis) develops insidiously during childhood and is later followed by mild to severe backache. Rest, back support, and anti-inflammatory medications control the symptoms in most cases, but orthopedic surgery may be necessary, especially if pressure on spinal nerves causes disability.

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