Osteogenesis imperfecta

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1.3. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis

Under normal conditions, the vertebrae are placed one on top of the other. When spondylolisthesis occurs, a vertebra slips over another. Sometimes this is accompanied by spondylolysis, which causes also a fracture of the posterior part of the vertebra, accentuating this displacement (Figure 8). These two conditions usually appear in the lower lumbar spine. Although they may occur in 3-6% of healthy individuals, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are more frequent in people affected by OI (8-11%).

Paciente con OI con espondilólisis
Figure 8. Patient with OI with spondylolysis (the yellow dots indicate the area of fracture) and spondylolisthesis (the yellow arrows indicate displacement towards the front of the vertebra with respect to the vertebra that is immediately below) Source: own elaboration).

Most patients do not require treatment for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis; rest and analgesia are prescribed to control the pain. The evolution of spondylolisthesis should be monitored with x-rays. In a few cases, if displacement increases there is the risk of damaging the spinal marrow. Here, surgery may be considered.

Last modified
20 January 2023