Correlation between pseudospondylolisthesis and arthrosis of the hands

Two groups of 25 patients, one with pseudospondylolisthesis (PSL) and the other without, have been compared in order to verify the impression that arthrosis of the hands occurs more frequently in those with PSL. The observed differences were significant, being especially marked in women in whom five or more hand joints were involved and increasing in frequency with age. No relation was found between PSL and either discarthrosis or being overweight. The presence of PSL can probably be included in the pattern of generalized osteoarthrosis described by Kellgren and Lawrence (1958).