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Multiple Choice

Which congenital abnormality is listed as a contributor to cervical spondylolisthesis?

Vertebral stability hinges on the proper formation of the vertebral arches. A congenital abnormality like spina bifida occulta means the posterior parts of a vertebra didn’t fuse correctly, weakening the posterior structural support. When that support is compromised, a cervical vertebra can slip forward relative to the one beneath it under normal forces, which is what cervical spondylolisthesis describes. This is why spina bifida occulta is listed as a contributor. The other options describe different issues: hypoplastic pedicles and articular processes are another congenital anomaly but aren’t the classic contributor to this condition; atlantoaxial dislocation is a separate instability problem often tied to odontoid or ligament issues; osteoporosis is an acquired, not congenital, bone disease.

Vertebral stability hinges on the proper formation of the vertebral arches. A congenital abnormality like spina bifida occulta means the posterior parts of a vertebra didn’t fuse correctly, weakening the posterior structural support. When that support is compromised, a cervical vertebra can slip forward relative to the one beneath it under normal forces, which is what cervical spondylolisthesis describes. This is why spina bifida occulta is listed as a contributor. The other options describe different issues: hypoplastic pedicles and articular processes are another congenital anomaly but aren’t the classic contributor to this condition; atlantoaxial dislocation is a separate instability problem often tied to odontoid or ligament issues; osteoporosis is an acquired, not congenital, bone disease.