Complete Spondylolisthesis in an Infant

Abstract

\s=b\A grade 4 spondylolisthesis at the level of L-4 and L-5 was detected in a 3\ x =r eq-\ year-old girl who had a spastic gait and focal sensory deficit. There was no history or objective evidence of substantial spinal trauma. A deformity over the lower part of the spine had been noted at 1 year of age and the radiological lesion was more extensive than that found in classical spondylolysis. Consequently, a diagnosis of congenital spondylolisthesis is most acceptable. Treatment via combined posterior and posterolateral fusion following anterior decompression has yielded gratifying results.(Am J Dis Child 129: [967][968][969] 1975) A lthough spondylolisthesis has been ±\. well described119 in children, only isolated cases have been re¬ ported involving children less than 5 years of age.16 Kleinberg3 described the lesion in a 17-month-old child, Friberg2 in a 10-