Prevalence and Risk Factors of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis and Retrolisthesis in the Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Spine – An EOS Study Using Updated Radiographic Parameters

Abstract

Study design: Single centre, cross-sectional study. Objectives: The objective is to report the prevalence of spondylolisthesis and retrolisthesis, analyse both conditions in terms of the affected levels and severity, as well as identify their risk factors. Methods: A review of clinical data and radiographic images of consecutive spine patients seen in outpatient clinics over a 1-month period is performed. Images are obtained using the EOS® technology under standardised protocol, and radiographic measurements were performed by 2 independent, blinded spine surgeons. The prevalence of both conditions were shown and categorised based on the spinal level involvement and severity. Associated risk factors were identified. Results: A total of 256 subjects (46.1% males) with 2304 discs from T9/10 to L5/S1 were studied. Their mean age was 52.2(± 18.7) years. The overall prevalence of spondylolisthesis and retrolisthesis was 25.9% and 17.1% respectively. Spondylolisthesis occurs frequently at L4/5(16.3%), and retrolisthesis at L3/4(6.8%). Majority of the patients with spondylolisthesis had a Grade I slip (84.3%), while those with retrolisthesis had a Grade I slip. The presence of spondylolisthesis was found associated with increased age (P