A "slip of the spine". Usually this refers to "lytic" spondylolisthesis or fracture or the pars interarticularis. A listhesis is a "slip" and once the buttressing elements are broken away, the low-grade lytic listhesis occur in a high percentage of the American population (roughly 5%). By themselves, if painless, can often be treated without surgery intervention. In some circumstances the listhesis is severe enough to result in nerve pressure or pain in the disc. In such circumstance surgical options may be considered.

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