Listhesis refers to which spinal concept?

Listhesis refers to which spinal concept?

• A. Slippage
• B. Degeneration
• C. Fusion
• D. Inflammation

Answer: (A)

Listhesis means slippage or displacement of one vertebral body relative to the one below (usually an anterior shift in the lumbar spine). The term itself comes from a root meaning slipping, so the concept being tested is the idea of vertebral displacement along the adjacent segment. This is different from degeneration (wear-and-tear changes), fusion (bones growing together and losing motion), or inflammation (an inflammatory process affecting tissues). In practice, listhesis describes how much a vertebra has moved, which can affect nerve roots and cause symptoms.

Listhesis means slippage or displacement of one vertebral body relative to the one below (usually an anterior shift in the lumbar spine). The term itself comes from a root meaning slipping, so the concept being tested is the idea of vertebral displacement along the adjacent segment. This is different from degeneration (wear-and-tear changes), fusion (bones growing together and losing motion), or inflammation (an inflammatory process affecting tissues). In practice, listhesis describes how much a vertebra has moved, which can affect nerve roots and cause symptoms.