What is the most common type of spondylolisthesis in people under the age of 50?

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Multiple Choice

What is the most common type of spondylolisthesis in people under the age of 50?

In younger people, spondylolisthesis is most often due to an isthmic defect—a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis that can allow the vertebra to slip forward (spondylolisthesis) after a pars defect forms. This pattern is common in adolescents and athletes who have repetitive hyperextension movements, making isthmic the typical cause under age 50. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, by contrast, arises from wear and tear of the spine’s joints and discs and is more common in older adults. Dysplastic spondylolisthesis is a congenital defect and tends to be less common in this age group, and traumatic slips are relatively rare. So, the most frequent type in people under 50 is the isthmic form.

In younger people, spondylolisthesis is most often due to an isthmic defect—a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis that can allow the vertebra to slip forward (spondylolisthesis) after a pars defect forms. This pattern is common in adolescents and athletes who have repetitive hyperextension movements, making isthmic the typical cause under age 50. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, by contrast, arises from wear and tear of the spine’s joints and discs and is more common in older adults. Dysplastic spondylolisthesis is a congenital defect and tends to be less common in this age group, and traumatic slips are relatively rare. So, the most frequent type in people under 50 is the isthmic form.

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