Management of traumatic spondylolisthesis: Cervical and lumbar

Abstract

Spondylolisthesis refers to the anterior translation of one vertebral body in relation to another. The Wiltse classification classifies spondylolisthesis based on etiology: dysplastic, isthmic, degenerative, pathological, and traumatic. Acute traumatic spondylolisthesis is rare. The most commonly recognized traumatic spondylolisthesis is that of the axis, also known as a hangman’s fracture. Traumatic slips within the subaxial cervical spine and the lumbar spine have also been described. The mechanism of injury, anatomy, magnitude of instability, and degree of the slip dictate and guide appropriate management.