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Spine
intermediate
X-Type

Lumbar Instability

Degenerative Spine

A 55-year-old female presents with chronic low back pain that is worse with activity and relieved by rest. She describes a "catching" sensation when straightening from a bent position. Examination shows paraspinal muscle guarding and pain with extension. Standing radiographs show Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis at L4-L5. Regarding the definition and assessment of lumbar instability:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Clinical instability of the lumbar spine was defined by White and Panjabi as "the loss of the abilit...

B

Radiographic criteria for lumbar instability on flexion-extension lateral radiographs include: sagit...

C

All patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis have clinical instability requiring fusion; the pre...

D

The Kirkaldy-Willis degenerative cascade describes the progression of spinal degeneration through th...

E

Degenerative spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs at L4-L5, is more common in females (6:1 ratio),...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option