Current Concept on the Classification and Treatment of Spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Study Design: A review of literature including classification and treatment of spondylolisthesis Objectives: To review and discuss the classification and management of spondylolisthesis Summary of Literature Review: Spondylolisthesis is one of the common spinal disorders that can create significant problems for the patients and spine surgeons, but there have been confusion of natural history and treatment strategies. It can be attributed to the absence of etiology-based classification system for individual patient prognosis and treatment decision. Materials and Methods: Review of literature Results: Marchetti and Bartolozzi have developed an etiology-based classification which has two main categories; developmental and acquired. These two types of spondylolisthesis seem to have significantly different natural histories and each of them needs different strategies for treatment. Conclusions: Authors recommend using Marchetti and Bartolozzi classification system for spondylolisthesis patients.