Anterolisthesis is a condition affecting the spinal column in which a vertebrae slips forward in relation to the one below.
There are 5 grades of anterolisthesis (1 being most mild and 5 being the most severe). In grade 1 anterolisthesis, the degree of slippage is relatively mild, typically less than 25% of the width of the vertebral body.
Anterolisthesis is a sub-type of spondylolisthesis, which refers to the general slippage of a vertrebrae. Anterolisthesis refers, specifically, to the forward slippage of a vertebra in relation to the one below.
Grades of Anterolisthesis
Below is a breakdown of the grading system for spondylolisthesis:
- Grade 1: 0-25% slippage
- Grade 2: 25-50% slippage
- Grade 3: 50-75% slippage
- Grade 4: 75-100% slippage
- Grade 5: Over 100% slippage (also called spondyloptosis)
Learn more about the different grades of anterolisthesis here
Treatment for Grade 1 Anterolisthesis
Grade 1 anterolisthesis is often remains asymptomatic and may only be incidentally detected during imaging studies conducted for other purposes. Conservative treatment approaches, such as physical therapy and pain management with medications such as NSAIDs, are typically the first line of action for managing grade 1 anterolisthesis.
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