What causes spondylolisthesis?

There are five main types ofspondylolisthesis, each with adifferent cause.Spondylolisthesis can be caused by: a birth defect in part of the vertebra this can cause it to slip forward (dysplastic spondylolisthesis) repetitive trauma to the spine this results in a defect developing in the vertebra, which can cause it to slip;this is known as isthmic spondylolisthesis and is more common in athletes such as gymnasts and weightlifters the joints of the vertebrae becoming worn and arthritic this is known asdegenerativespondylolisthesis and is more common in older people a sudden injury or trauma to the spine such as a fracture, which can result in the vertebra slipping forward (traumatic spondylolisthesis) a bone abnormality this could be caused by a tumour, for example(pathologicspondylolisthesis)
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