Degenerative spondylolisthesis: a prospective cross-sectional cohort study on the role of weakened anterior abdominal musculature on causation.

Abstract

Degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is a degenerative condition of the spine which, unlike others, is more common in a female population. Previous studies have highlighted possible causative factors such as facet tropism and pregnancy as reasons for this. This study sets out to assess the possible link between abdominal musculature and DS. A prospective cross-sectional cohort study in a single surgeon practice assessed all patients aged over 50 years attending for degenerative lumbar spinal complaints. Patient demographics, as well as the number of pregnancies, children, abdominal surgical procedures, were recorded. We found 205 patients that met our inclusion criteria (98 Males/107 Females). Women with multiple pregnancies (p = 0.036) and abdominal surgeries (p = 0.021) were more likely to develop DS. Males with ventral hernias were more likely to have developed DS (p = 0.004). This study highlights the important role that the abdominal musculature plays in stabilization of the spine and highlights its potential role as a factor in the development of DS. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.