Retrolisthesis

the posterior displacement of one vertebral body on the subjacent vertebral body; it may be degenerative and consist of spondylolisthesis without spondylolysis. Degenerative retrolisthesis is associated with intervertebral osteo chondrosis and occurs most frequently in mobile portions of the spine, particularly the cervical and lumbar spine. On radiographs a vacuum phenomenon, disc space loss, vertebral body marginal sclerosis, small osteophytes, and apophyseal joint instability and subluxation may be observed. Patients may experience pain, rigidity and neurologic abnormalities resulting from spinal cord compression.