Development of spondylolisthesis after growth arrest.

Based on the observation of three clinical cases of late onset (after growth arrest) spondylolisthesis, the different pathogenetic factors for lumbar instability in adulthood are discussed. A causal classification based on functional and morphological criteria clearly separates the "genuine" traumatic spondylolisthesis from other forms causing instability (with spondylolysis) within a lumbar motion segment. The possibility of developing spondylolisthesis even after growth arrest is hereby proven. Consequences for appraisal procedures are discussed, and an example for possible surgical management is given.