Spondylolisthesis is forward slipping of one vertebral body over the adjacent level. Slipping of the vertebral body can be due to either a birth defect in the joints of the vertebrae which lock the two adjacent vertebrae or due to some developmental defects in posterior aspect of vertebral bones leaving a weak area which can be undergo minor fractures on repeated movements of spine, area can undergo elongation or a defect containing fibrous tissue appears. Majority of cases remain problem free, however in some children there is rapid progressive slipping of the vertebral body especially during the growth spurt phase .In very advanced cases the whole of vertebral body slips in the forward direction and lies in front of the adjacent vertebra. Such advanced degrees of slips may lead to gradual bladder or bowel paralysis. Patients with intractable pain not responding to conservative treatment regardless of degree of slip, patients in growing age with more than 50% slip, any patient of slipped vertebra with neurological symptoms like weakness of leg muscles, bladder, bowel sensation loss require surgical management. Basic aim of surgery is to correct local spinal biomechanics, remove the pressure on the nerves and prevent further progression of the deformity. If done properly the chances of success of the surgery are around 90% to 95%.

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