Impact of Individual Spinopelvic Anatomy on the Localization and Severity of Symptomatic Isthmic Spondylolisthesis.

Study design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objectives: Isthmic spondylolisthesis (iSPL) occurs most commonly in L5/S1 and L4/5. This study investigates the association between spinopelvic anatomy and the pathogenesis of iSPL.

Methods: Spinopelvic parameters as well as severity of slip grade were measured in sagittal spine radiographs of symptomatic patients with iSPL in segments L4/5 and L5/S1. Means were calculated and differences between both groups were analyzed. A correlation between the analyzed parameters and degree of slippage was performed.

Results: We included 73 subjects in this study; 11 in L4/5 group and 62 in L5/S1 group. Pelvic anatomy significantly differed between L4/5 and L5/S1 iSPL (Pelvic Incidence (PI) 54.8° vs 66.3°, P value = .006; Pelvic Radius (PR) 124.4 mm vs 137.4 mm; P value = .005 and Sacral Table Angle (STA) 101.0° vs 92.2°, P value < .001). The relative degree of slippage was significantly higher in the L5/S1 group (L4/5 29.1% vs L5/S1 40.1%, P value .022). We also observed a significant correlation between pelvic anatomy and the severity of the slip in iSPL at the L5/S1 level.

Conclusions: Pelvic parameters PI and STA play an important role concerning the level of occurrence and severity of iSPL. Spinopelvic anatomy determines the pathogenesis of iSPL.