A Isthmic Spondylolisthesis at L5 is most common in what demographic?

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Multiple Choice

A Isthmic Spondylolisthesis at L5 is most common in what demographic?

This item tests that isthmic spondylolisthesis most often arises in growing children and adolescents due to stress fractures of the pars interarticularis. In skeletally immature individuals, repetitive hyperextension and loaded extension activities—common in sports like gymnastics or football—can cause a pars defect (spondylolysis). When this defect exists, the vertebral body (often at L5) can slip forward relative to the vertebra below, producing isthmic spondylolisthesis. Because this mechanism hinges on skeletal maturity and activity during growth, it is far more typical in children and adolescents than in adults, the elderly, or infants.

This item tests that isthmic spondylolisthesis most often arises in growing children and adolescents due to stress fractures of the pars interarticularis. In skeletally immature individuals, repetitive hyperextension and loaded extension activities—common in sports like gymnastics or football—can cause a pars defect (spondylolysis). When this defect exists, the vertebral body (often at L5) can slip forward relative to the vertebra below, producing isthmic spondylolisthesis. Because this mechanism hinges on skeletal maturity and activity during growth, it is far more typical in children and adolescents than in adults, the elderly, or infants.

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