ABSTRACT
Spondylolisthesis was first described by Herbiniaux in Belgium in 1782, but it was not until 1854 that Kilian discussed spondylolisthesis in any detail. Spondylolisthesis occurs in association with a number of other spinal anomalies, including spondylolysis, which occurs in at least one-third of cases of spondylolisthesis. Radiologically, spinal stenosis can occasionally be diagnosed on a lateral view of the lumbar spine if it is primarily bony in origin. The normal sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal is greater than 20 mm although this is variable. Classically, the diagnosis of a pars defect depends on good oblique views of the lumbar spine. The importance of spondylolysis and its relationship to low back pain is still improperly understood. The etiology is unknown, but since it is not congenital, it must be “developmental” or associated with either acute or chronic trauma.
