The key difference between anterolisthesis and spondylolisthesis is that anterolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes forward slippage of the vertebra in the spine, while spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes forward or backward slippage of the vertebra in the spine.
Anterolisthesis and spondylolisthesis are two associated medical conditions in the spine. Spondylolisthesis is a medical condition characterized by the forward or backward slipping of a vertebra in the spine. Furthermore, it is further divided into two types: anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis. Forward slippage of the vertebra is known as anterolisthesis, while backward slippage of the vertebra is known as retrolisthesis.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Anterolisthesis
3. What is Spondylolisthesis
4. Similarities – Anterolisthesis and Spondylolisthesis
5. Anterolisthesis vs Spondylolisthesis in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Anterolisthesis vs Spondylolisthesis
What is Anterolisthesis?
Anterolisthesis is a form of spondylolisthesis that causes only forward slippage of the vertebra in the spine. Anterolisthesis is an abnormal alignment of the bones in the spine that usually affects the lower back. It occurs when a vertebra in the spine slips forward of the vertebra below it. Anterolisthesis is caused due to sudden blunt force or fractures as a result of trauma by an auto accident or a fall. This condition can also develop due to strenuous physical exercise, such as bodybuilding. The symptoms of this condition include mobility issues due to pain, muscle spasms, tingling sensations, inability to feel a hot or cold sensation, poor posture, weakness, difficulty walking or limited walking, and loss of bladder or bowel function. The risk factors for this condition include older age (over 50 years), the natural aging process, and regular strenuous activity (athletes and weightlifters).
Figure 01: Anterolisthesis
Moreover, anterolisthesis is diagnosed through physical examination (checking reflex), X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. Furthermore, treatment options for anterolisthesis may include resting, medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids and opioids, physical therapy, exercises, and surgical procedures (decompression and spinal fusion).
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is the medical condition of having a vertebra in the spine slip forward or backward. This condition also affects the lower back. Spondylolisthesis can be caused by overextending the spine (athletes), genetics, and tear on the spine and disks (older adults). The symptoms of this condition may include lower back pain, muscle spasms, back stiffness, difficulty walking or standing for a long period of time, pain when bending and numbness, weakness, or tingling in the foot. The risk factors for this condition may include athletics, genetics, and age (people over 50 years).
Figure 02: Spondylolisthesis
Moreover, spondylolisthesis can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, spinal X-ray, CT scan, and MRI scan. Furthermore, treatment options for spondylolisthesis may include resting, medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, steroid injections, physical therapy, bracing, surgery for back pain (decompression or fusion surgery) and lifestyle and home remedies (doing regular exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a well-balanced diet.
What are the Similarities Between Anterolisthesis and Spondylolisthesis?
- Anterolisthesis and spondylolisthesis are two associated medical conditions in the spine.
- Anterolisthesis is a form of spondylolisthesis.
- Both conditions are characterized by lower back pain.
- These conditions can be caused by overexertion in the spine.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging tests.
- They can be treated through specific medications and surgeries.
What is the Difference Between Anterolisthesis and Spondylolisthesis?
Anterolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes forward slippage of the vertebra in the spine, while spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes forward or backward slippage of the vertebra in the spine. Thus, this is the key difference between anterolisthesis and spondylolisthesis. Furthermore, the risk factors for anterolisthesis may include old age (over 50 years), the natural aging process, and regular strenuous activity (athletes and weightlifters). On the other hand, the risk factors for spondylolisthesis may include athletics, genetics, and age (people over 50 years).
The below infographic presents the differences between anterolisthesis and spondylolisthesis in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Anterolisthesis vs Spondylolisthesis
Anterolisthesis and spondylolisthesis are two related spinal conditions. Both these conditions are due to defects in the spine. Anterolisthesis causes forward slippage of the vertebra in the spine, while spondylolisthesis causes both forward and backward slippage of the vertebra in the spine. So, this summarizes the difference between anterolisthesis and spondylolisthesis.
Reference:
1. “Anterolisthesis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International.
2. “Spondylolisthesis: What Is It, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Disc herniation — Smart-Servier” By Laboratoires Servier – Smart Servier website (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Spondylolisthesis” By BruceBlaus – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia