Which condition is defined by vertebral slippage on the lateral X-ray view with grading I-V?

Which condition is defined by vertebral slippage on the lateral X-ray view with grading I-V?

• A. Disc herniation
• B. Spondylolisthesis
• C. Spinal stenosis
• D. Spondylolysis

Answer: (B)

Vertebral slippage seen on a lateral X-ray with a five-grade scale describes spondylolisthesis. On the lateral view you assess how far the upper vertebral body has moved forward relative to the one below. The grading (I to V) uses the percentage of the upper vertebra that lies anterior to the lower vertebra: I up to 25%, II 26–50%, III 51–75%, IV 76–100%, and V when the slippage is so complete that the upper vertebra sits in front of the lower (spondyloptosis). This grading helps gauge severity and guide management. It’s distinguished from disc herniation (disc material protrudes and may compress nerves), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or spondylolysis (a pars interarticularis defect that can exist with or without slippage).

Vertebral slippage seen on a lateral X-ray with a five-grade scale describes spondylolisthesis. On the lateral view you assess how far the upper vertebral body has moved forward relative to the one below. The grading (I to V) uses the percentage of the upper vertebra that lies anterior to the lower vertebra: I up to 25%, II 26–50%, III 51–75%, IV 76–100%, and V when the slippage is so complete that the upper vertebra sits in front of the lower (spondyloptosis). This grading helps gauge severity and guide management. It’s distinguished from disc herniation (disc material protrudes and may compress nerves), spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), or spondylolysis (a pars interarticularis defect that can exist with or without slippage).