Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

04:19
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Development of spondylolisthesis after growth arrest
M Pfeiffer1, P Griss, P Schuler
1Orthopädische Klinik der Philipps-Universität, Marburg/Lahn, Federal Republic of Germany.
Summary
Late-onset spondylolisthesis can develop after growth arrest due to various pathogenetic factors. This study classifies these causes, distinguishing traumatic spondylolisthesis from instability with spondylolysis.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedics
- Clinical biomechanics
Background:
- Lumbar instability in adulthood can stem from various pathogenetic factors.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- Three clinical cases of late-onset spondylolisthesis (occurring after growth arrest) were observed.
- These cases highlight the potential for spondylolisthesis development post-skeletal maturity.
Findings:
- A causal classification system for lumbar instability was developed, based on functional and morphological criteria.
- This classification differentiates "genuine" traumatic spondylolisthesis from instability associated with spondylolysis.
Implications:
- The study confirms that spondylolisthesis can manifest after growth has ceased.
- Findings have consequences for medico-legal appraisal procedures and inform surgical management strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Sutures of the Skull
The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these bones meet are called sutures.
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...

