Management of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in the pediatric population: A review

Typically considered a pediatric disease entity, the treatment of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in children and adolescent patients is different from that of adults due to the pathogenesis, skeletal size and immaturity, and mobility of the adjacent spinal segments. This article discusses the classification, natural history, presentation and physical exam findings, and imaging characteristics, as well as nonsurgical and common surgical treatments for low- and high-grade spondylolisthesis, in children and adolescents.