Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis: a Study of Pelvic and Lumbosacral Parameters of Possible Etiologic Effect in Two Genetically and Geographically Distinct Groups with High Occurrence

Study Design: An anatomic and radiographic study of archeological skeletal remains from two genetically and geographically distinct groups with high occurrence rates of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis was done. Specimens were Aleut (27% known occurrence rate, n = 48) and Arikara Plains Indians (9% occurrence, n = 250+ of 1,062).

Objective: To evaluate three radiographic parameters highly correlated with spondylolisthesis (pelvic incidence [PI], sacral table angle [STA], and lumbar index [LI]) in genetically homogeneous populations to determine which may be etiologic or most predictive for lysis.

Summary Of Background Data: LI has been known to vary with the percentage of slip in lytic spondylolisthesis. Recent clinical studies have shown that PI is also significantly higher in high-grade slips, and a possible etiologic effect has been ascribed to this association. STA has also been shown to vary between normals, those with only lysis, and those with lysis and slip. The etiologic significance of STA is unknown.

Methods: Radiographic and direct morphologic measurement of PI, LI, and STA was done on L5 and reassembled sacra and ilia. Statistical analysis of these three parameters among all groups was done.

Results: 1) There is a genetically determined difference in the upper sacral tilt (STA) that may be etiologic. 2) Genetically homogeneous groups with a lower STA in normal specimens have an increased occurrence rate of spondylolysis. 3) When there has been pars lysis, changes in the STA occur as well as deformity more caudal in the sacrum. 4) These changes are likely related to remodeling with epiphyseal growth related to changed axial stresses secondary to pars lysis. 5) PI is not a primary etiologic factor in the process.

Conclusions: The STA in the normal population for each genetic group varies and relates significantly to the occurrence rate and is thus probably etiologic. STA is more highly associated with the occurrence of pars defect than is PI. Upper sacral deformities appear due to the growth plate response to the changed pressure gradients across the epiphyseal plate rather than interosseous remodeling of the ilium and acetabular area. Thus, changes in PI would be secondary.