Osteogenesis imperfecta

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%).

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.