Understanding Spondylolisthesis
For most healthy individuals, the facet joints of the spine allow the right amount of motion for daily activity and lumbar stability. They prevent forward movement of the vertebrae in relation to the other vertebrae. This is important because human physiology and center-of-gravity generate a forward slipping force on the spine. When the facet joints fail to lock the vertebrae into place and a vertebra slips forward on the other, it is known as degenerative spondylolisthesis.
The facet joints may weaken due to osteoarthritis of the joint, age-related degeneration, or genetic and traumatic changes to the intervertebral disc segment.
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