The vertebrae that make up our spine are arranged in a specific order on top of each other. Normally, the front and back edges of the vertebrae are aligned with the edges of the upper and lower vertebrae. The vertebrae are connected to each other through discs in the front and facet joints in the back. Many ligament structures also bridge the bones between them, increasing the durability of this arrangement. In the condition known as spinal slippage, one vertebra usually moves forward over another. As a result of this movement, the spinal cord passing through the spine is compressed, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and burning in both legs. There are five types of spinal slippage. The most common ones being those caused by degeneration in old age, those that develop after surgery, and those caused by congenital problems in childhood vertebrae. These fractures are called spondylolysis.
In approximately 5% of people, there may be a developmental fracture in the bone that connects the upper and lower joints of the vertebrae in the lower part of the lumbar region (facet joints). These fractures are called ‘’spondylolysis’’. Fractures that occur in this region due to its high mobility may often not heal. However, these fractures usually cause pain in adolescence but may not cause serious problems in adulthood. In some patients, the fracture may cause the upper vertebrae to shift forward compared to the lower spine.