Abnormal L5-S1 Facet Joint Orientation as a Harbinger of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Jun 17;15(6):e40569. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40569. eCollection 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a common cause of low back pain and resultant disability in the adult population. The causes of degenerative spondylolisthesis are not entirely understood, though a combination of anatomic and lifestyle factors likely contributes to the development of this pathology. Here, we report a case of a 38-year-old female presenting with low back pain and right lower extremity radiculopathy, found to have degenerative L5-S1 spondylolisthesis, which we postulate developed in part due to the sagittal orientation of her L5-S1 facet joints bilaterally.

Keywords: injury biomechanics; lumbar spine; neurosurgery; orthopedic surgery; spine surgery; spondylolisthesis; surgery; transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports