[Congenital cervical spondylolisthesis]

Cervical spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis is a complex abnormality involving the posterior elements of the cervical vertebra, and anterolisthesis of the same vertebra. Cervical spondylolysis is defined as a corticated cleft between the superior and inferior articular facets of the articular "pillar", the cervical equivalent of the pars intraarticularis in the lumbar spine. The typical radiological features of this condition are as follows: 1. Spondylolysis (a break in the "pillar" on one or both sides) 2. Spina bifida of dysplastic vertebra 3. Affection of posterior intervertebral joints (abnormal inclination of the superior and inferior articular facets of the affected bones may present) Recognition of this congenital disorder and its differentiation from traumatic injury is extremely important in patients who have a history of recent cervical trauma.