What is the distinction between spondylosis spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis?
Spondylosis is a nonspecific degenerative process of the spine, often due to osteoarthritis with osteophyte formation.
Spondylolisthesis refers to anterior subluxation of one vertebral body on another.
Spondylolysis is a defect in the pars interarticularis that allows the vertebra to slip upward.
All three of these conditions may cause pain when symptomatic and can be confirmed radiographically.