(ii) Spondylolysis & spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are not uncommon findings in the patient presenting with back pain. A full understanding of the natural progression of this disorder is important to guide correct management. Typically, non-surgical treatment modalities are the mainstay of treatment; however, careful assessment is required to allow identification of the patients for whom surgical intervention would be beneficial.A review of the aetiology, natural progression, clinical findings and radiological appearances is presented below, along with a consideration of management strategies that can be utilized in this condition.