Which term describes the condition of vertebral slippage?

Which term describes the condition of vertebral slippage?

• A. Defect
• B. Spondylolysis
• C. Listhesis
• D. Scoliosis

Answer: (C)

Vertebral slippage is described by listhesis—the vertebral body slipping relative to the one below (or above). This term captures the movement between adjacent vertebrae. When the slippage is forward, the specific condition is called spondylolisthesis, often arising from a pars interarticularis defect (spondylolysis). The other terms refer to different spine issues: a defect is too general to describe slippage, spondylolysis is a pars fracture, and scoliosis is a lateral curvature. So listhesis is the best term for vertebral slippage.

Vertebral slippage is described by listhesis—the vertebral body slipping relative to the one below (or above). This term captures the movement between adjacent vertebrae. When the slippage is forward, the specific condition is called spondylolisthesis, often arising from a pars interarticularis defect (spondylolysis). The other terms refer to different spine issues: a defect is too general to describe slippage, spondylolysis is a pars fracture, and scoliosis is a lateral curvature. So listhesis is the best term for vertebral slippage.