Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
05:42
Full-Endoscopic Isolation Zone Technique for the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Published on: April 7, 2023
Isolate metastasis of listhetic vertebra
Olimpio Galasso1, Giorgio Gasparini, Massimo Mariconda
1Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Magna Græcia, Catanzaro, Italy. golimpiogo@hotmail.com
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Tumor infiltration can cause isthmic spondylolisthesis progression in adults, a rare occurrence. Advanced imaging like MRI or CT is recommended for severe back pain exacerbation in patients with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis progression is uncommon, often linked to disc collapse.
- This case report investigates an unusual cause of spondylolisthesis progression.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old woman presented with severe back and leg pain.
- Imaging revealed L5-S1 spondylolisthesis with tumor infiltration of the L5 vertebra.
- Surgery confirmed bilateral posterior arch interruption and tumor presence.
Findings:
- A solitary, undifferentiated adenocarcinoma caused the spondylolisthesis.
- Surgical decompression and fixation led to symptom resolution.
- The patient died three years post-operation.
Implications:
- Tumor infiltration is a potential cause of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis.
- Recommend MRI or CT for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis with acute back pain.
- Highlights the importance of considering malignancy in spondylolisthesis progression.
