Spondyloptosis

Mechanism and manifestations

It corresponds to slippage exceeding 100%, often described at L5–S1. Pain, deformity and neurological impairment may occur, but clinical assessment remains essential to determine effects.

Diagnosis and management

Radiographs and additional imaging assess balance and neural structures. Specialist evaluation is needed; surgical indications and reduction risks are individualized. This is not a vertebra to put back through manipulation.

Points to consider

Deformity assessment considers age, remaining growth, global balance and symptoms. Images must be interpreted in light of acquisition position. Goals may include function and comfort, limiting progression or neurological protection, depending on the situation.

Role of TAGMED care

This condition first requires medical diagnosis and, depending on the situation, specialist management. TAGMED services do not replace treatment of infection or tumor, stabilization of an unstable injury, or neurological or vascular treatment. Any conservative support should be considered only after diagnosis, restrictions and the treating team’s recommendations have been clarified.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Flatback syndrome — Sagittal alignment disorder characterized by loss of lumbar lordosis that may make standing upright difficult without compensatory posture.
• Hyperkyphosis — Excessive posterior-convex spinal curvature, usually thoracic, which may be postural or structural.
• Degenerative scoliosis — Adult scoliotic deformity related to asymmetric disc and joint degeneration, sometimes developing after skeletal maturity.

Medical references

1. Scoliosis Research Society. Kyphosis.
2. Scoliosis Research Society. Scoliosis.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.