Is generalized joint laxity a factor in spondylolisthesis?

A postal questionnaire designed to assess joint laxity was sent to 364 specialist female teachers of physical education who had participated in a radiological survey on the lumbar spine. 295 replied and in this group the prevalence of spondylolisthesis was 4%. Although statistical analysis failed to demonstrate a significant association between generalized joint laxity, measured with a simple scoring system, and radiological spondylolisthesis, spondylolisthesis was found to correlate with known associations of joint laxity such as flat feet. Adults with spondylolisthesis considered themselves more supple in youth than adults without spondylolisthesis.