Conservative management of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are pathologic defects that can cause low back pain. While they are often asymptomatic, a thorough radiologic evaluation and correlation with the clinical presentation is necessary to guide appropriate intervention. The physician׳s role in these cases is a timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up given the risk of progression that accompanies this type of pathology. Conservative management is currently the first-line for many instances of mild-to-moderate spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, with the goal of pain relief and return of function.