Is generalized Joint Laxity a Factor in Spondylolisthesis?

Abstract

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.

Determination of spondylolisthesis in low back pain by clinical evaluation

“…Most of the patients in spondylolisthesis group were women. In cases such as, pregnancy, general joint laxity and oophorectomy, women's vulnerability to spondylolisthesis have been reported to be increased [4,14,28].…”

Clinical Evaluation of Adult Patient with Spondylolisthesis

“…In a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of more than 4,000 patients, Jacobsen et al [ 54 ] found the prevalence in men is 2.7 % and the prevalence in women is 8.4 %. The increased prevalence in women may be due to an elevated expression of estrogen receptors in the facet joints cartilage [ 55 ]; alternatively, other authors have postulated that the increased prevalence in females may be due to an increased ligamentous laxity [ 56 ]. Race also affects the prevalence, however unlike in isthmic spondylolisthesis, it is more common in patients of African decent than patients of European decent [ 53 ].…”

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

“…4 Previous studies have indicated that the condition occurs four times more frequently in women and is most commonly seen at L4 -L5. Pregnancy, 7 generalized joint laxity, 5,6 and oophorectomy 8 are thought to be predisposing factors of the condition and its predominance in women. Pregnancy, 7 generalized joint laxity, 5,6 and oophorectomy 8 are thought to be predisposing factors of the condition and its predominance in women.…”