High Incidence of Spondylolisthesis in Patients with Grade 3 or 4 Osteoarthritis Knees with Spinal Symptoms

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The concerted radiographic incidence between lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and knee joint arthritis is not known. Hence, we analyzed the incidence of lumbar DS among severe knee arthritis cases in the outpatient department. Materials and Methods: In this observational study, we studied 499 patients (407 females and 92 males) with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The X-rays of the lumbar spine and knee of patients were taken in a standing position. Patients with rheumatoid/ankylosing arthritis, trauma, and infection were excluded. Knee osteoarthritis was classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrence scale and spondylolisthesis was classified according to Meyerding’s classification. Results: Patients with knee osteoarthritis associated with DS were 30.9%. The statistical significance in the incidence of DS with knee osteoarthritis was found in our study. The level of DS and its relationship with the degree of OA were also studied. L5/S1 is the most prevalent level of listhesis and grade 4 OA is commonly associated with it. Conclusion: The DS incidence is significant in severe knee osteoarthritis patients. The degeneration of the lumbar spine leads to L4 nerve root pain that is relatively similar to the knee joint pain due to OA. For patients with knee pain, there is a probability of lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, so a complete examination of the spine and knee is required.