Spondylolisthesis & IVDP MCQs

The clinical findings for fifth lumbar root involvement include: Weakness of EHL, extensor digitorum longus(EDL), knee flexion(hamstrings), tensor fasciae lata(TFL), gluteus medius(hip abduction) Sensory loss over lateral and anterolateral leg and dorsum of foot(typically in the first web space-deep peroneal nerve territory) Weakness or mute posterior tibialis reflex and medial hamstring reflex Positive trendelenburg sign(variable) Trendelenburg gait(variable). Reference: Manish Kumar Varshney, 1 st edition, Page no. 1389.

Spondylosis - Degenerative osteoarthritis of the joints of the spinal column. Spondylitis - is an inflammation of the vertebra. It is usually seen in inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis. Spondylolysis - it is a defect or break in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra. Pars interarticularis is an important structure that links a vertebra to its adjacent vertebrae. Any defect in it can predispose the slipping of one vertebra over its lower vertebra resulting in spondylolisthesis. So, spondylolysis is the precursor of spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis - The anterior or posterior displacement of a vertebra or the vertebral column in relation to the vertebrae below it. Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopedics, 5th ed, Pg: 283-284.