Differences of lumbosacral kinematics between degenerative and induced spondylolisthetic spine.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the differences of lumbosacral kinematics between degenerative and induced spondylolisthetic subjects.


METHODS
Translations and angulations of spondylolisthetic spine from L1-L2 to L5-S1 were documented by taking X-ray films at flexion, standing and extension positions.


BACKGROUND
The unstable mechanism of spondylolisthesis leads to lower back pain. It is important to determine the kinematics and the process of spondylolisthesis.


METHODS
Nineteen subjects with spondylolisthesis participated in this research, seven subjects with diagnosis of degenerative and 12 with induced spondylolisthesis, were taken lateral radiographs at three positions including flexion, standing and extension.


RESULTS
The differences of angulation among three positions (flexion, standing, and extension) at different levels were statistically significant (P<0.05) in both spondylolisthetic groups. The differences of translation among three different positions in induced spondylolisthetic group had a statistical significance (P<0.05) except at the level of L5-S1 (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Segmental total translation and angulation at each level of induced spondylolisthetic spine were greater than those of degenerative spondylolisthetic spine except L5-S1 level, which illustrated the evolution of spondylolisthesis from unstable to less unstable.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed induced spondylolisthesis may link to degenerative spondylolisthesis. It provided essential knowledge to detect the evolution of degenerative spondylolisthesis clinically earlier.
Tsai
Kuen-Horng
KH
Department of Industrial Management, Southern Taiwan University of Technology, Tainan 710, Taiwan, ROC.
Chang
Guan-Liang
GL
Lin
Hui-Ting
HT
Kuo
Dar-Chyi
DC
Chang
Li-Tung
LT
Lin
Ruey-Mo
RM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012447:Sacrum / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000503:physiopathology*