Wiltse classification

Spondylolisthesis can be classified according to broad etiologies as described by Wiltse in 1981 . Typically when reporting studies with spondylolisthesis the Wiltse type is merely stated without referring to its number, whereas the grade of spondylolisthesis is explicitly stated: e.g. "Grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1" rather than "Grade 1, Type III spondylolisthesis".

Classification

• type I (dysplastic/congenital): translation is secondary to an abnormal neural arch
• type II (isthmic): translation is secondary to a lesion involving the pars interarticularis
  • subtype a (lytic): secondary to stress fracture, in most cases attributed to repeated extension and/or twisting motions
  • subtype b (elongated pars): result of multiple injury/healing events leading to elongation of the pars
  • subtype c (acute pars fracture): secondary to a single event and is rare
• type III (degenerative): result of chronic instability and intersegmental degenerative changes
• type IV (post-traumatic): fracture in a region other than the pars leading to slippage. 
• type V (pathological): diffuse or local disease compromising the usual structural integrity that prevents slippage
• type VI (iatrogenic)

Siehe auch:

• Spondylolisthesis
• posttraumatische Spondylolisthesis
• Schweregrad Spondylolithesis nach Meyerding