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Clinical features

Authoring team

The clinical features of lumbar spondylolisthesis are somewhat indiscrete:

  • age of onset: - dysplasia and spondylosis most usually affects adolescents and young adults - the degenerative form usually occurs beyond middle age, often in women
  • chronic backache: - radiating into the buttocks - with or without sciatica - backache is worse on standing, after exercise or straining
  • spinal movements may be reduced in older patients, but are usually normal in younger cases.
  • a visible or palpable 'step' may be felt above the sacral crest due to a forwards displacement of the spinal column; this tends to be obvious only in severe displacement.
  • lumbar vertebral bodies may be palpable through the abdominal wall
  • straight leg raising may be impaired due to irritation of a spinal root
  • on examination, the buttocks look flattened and there are obvious transverse loin creases

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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