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Anatomy and Biomechanics Relevant to Spondylolisthesis

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Spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Spondylolisthesis is characterized by the abnormal translation of one vertebral body on another. The exact cause of spondylolisthesis is not well understood but certainly involves specific anatomic and mechanical factors that predispose for a slip to occur. In this chapter we discuss the principle of spinal balance and the important role that sacropelvic morphology and spinopelvic alignment play in overall sagittal alignment. Patients with high pelvic incidence with associated increased pelvic tilt are at high risk for progression of spondylolisthesis due to the large shear forces present at the lumbosacral junction. Lastly, we describe the different types of dysplasia that can occur at the lumbosacral junction, including a domed S1 endplate, lumbosacral kyphosis, and dysplasia at the pedicles, lamina, or facets. These anatomic and biomechanical factors are critical to understanding the pathogenesis and risk for progression of spondylolisthesis and help guide both non-operative and operative treatment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Spine and Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, USA

    Keith W. Lyons, Mitchell S. Fourman, Venu M. Nemani, Han Jo Kim & Matthew E. Cunningham

  2. Center for Neurosciences and Spine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, WA, USA

    Venu M. Nemani

Authors
  1. Keith W. Lyons
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  2. Mitchell S. Fourman
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  3. Venu M. Nemani
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  4. Han Jo Kim
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  5. Matthew E. Cunningham
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Correspondence to Keith W. Lyons .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Stryker Spine, Brookfield, CT, USA

    Adam L. Wollowick

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, USA

    Vishal Sarwahi

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Lyons, K.W., Fourman, M.S., Nemani, V.M., Kim, H.J., Cunningham, M.E. (2023). Anatomy and Biomechanics Relevant to Spondylolisthesis. In: Wollowick, A.L., Sarwahi, V. (eds) Spondylolisthesis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27253-0_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27253-0_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-27252-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-27253-0

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