Between each vertebra is a soft, gel-like cushion called a disc that helps absorb pressure and keeps the bones from rubbing against each other. Each vertebra has a hole in the center, so when they stack on top of each other they form a hollow tube that holds and protects the entire spinal cord and its nerve roots.

Ligaments. The ligaments are strong fibrous bands that hold the vertebrae together, stabilize the spine, and protect the discs.

Disc desiccation is a common factor that contributes to the onset of the larger issue known as degenerative disc disease. Desiccation refers to the dehydration of your spinal discs, which makes them prone to faster degeneration.

INTRODUCTION. Spondyloptosis is defined as a complete anterior dislocation of the L5 vertebral body from sacrum.

The spondyloptosis in our cases resulted from the concurrent mechanism of shearing and axial compression. Traumatic impact causes either a flexion-rotation stress or a shearing force that fractures the facets and ruptures ligaments, resulting in spinal disarticulation.

The inverted Napoleon hat sign is a radiologic sign seen on the frontal pelvic or lumbar radiograph at the level of the 5th lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. It is seen when there is bilateral spondylolysis with marked anterolisthesis of L5 on S1 or marked exaggeration of the normal lordosis at the lumbosacral junction.

The scotty dog sign represents the appearance of the posterior elements of the lumbar vertebra on the oblique radiograph. The transverse process is the nose, the superior facet is the ear, the inferior facet is the front leg, the pars interarticularis reflects the neck or collar and the pedicle forms the eye.

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below. It is caused by a defect, or fracture, of the pars interarticularis; a bone connecting the upper and lower facet joints.

Anterolisthesis is a spine condition in which the upper vertebral body, the drum-shaped area in front of each vertebrae, slips forward onto the vertebra below. The amount of slippage is graded on a scale from 1 to 4.

Most patients with spondylolisthesis should avoid activities that might cause more stress to the lumbar spine, such as heavy lifting and sports activities like gymnastics, football, competitive swimming, and diving.

Anterolisthesis can cause constant and severe localized pain, or it can develop and worsen over time. Pain may be persistent and often affects the lower back or the legs. Mobility issues due to pain can lead to inactivity and weight gain. It can also result in loss of bone density and muscle strength.

Many people who suffer from back pain caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis feel better when sleeping in a reclining position. To test this out, you can try sleeping for a few nights in a reclining chair, or by propping yourself up with pillows in bed.

Grade I anterolisthesis accounts for 75% of all cases. Anterolisthesis grade 2: 26-50% displacement of the vertebral body. Anterolisthesis grade 3: 51-75% displacement of the vertebral body. Anterolisthesis grade 4: 76-100% displacement of the vertebral body.

Anterolisthesis can be graded: Grade 1 is less than 25% slippage, grade 2 between 25%-50% slippage, grade 3 between 50%-75% slippage, and grade 4 greater than 75% slippage. Symptoms of anterolisthesis depend on the severity, location, and cause.

In its early stages, you can get some relief from the pain through physical therapy and medication to reduce inflammation….The next level of treatments may involve:

1. Epidural steroid injections.
2. Joint injections.
3. Nerve blocks.
4. Lumbar Radiofrequency ablation.
5. Spinal Cord Stimulation.
6. DRG stimulation.