What are the Causes of Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis may be due to a problem present since birth, or one that arises later in life.
Causes of spondylolisthesis include:
- Congenital Cause: A birth defect in the lower spine may make the vertebrae more susceptible to slippage. In children, spondylolisthesis commonly affects the fifth bone on the lower back (L5 vertebra), which slips over the first sacral vertebra.
- Age-related Degeneration: In people over the age of 40 years, there could be degeneration of the cartilage between the vertebral bones, thus predisposing to spondylolisthesis.
- Excessive Physical Stress: Excessive physical stress, as observed in sportspersons involved in activities like weight lifting, gymnastics, and football can result in stress fractures, and predispose to spondylolisthesis.
- Trauma: Injury to the lower spine caused by an accident or following surgery can cause spondylolisthesis.
- Disease Conditions: Certain disease conditions like infection, cancer or osteoporosis can damage the vertebral joints and result in spondylolisthesis.
