Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What condition describes the slippage of one vertebral body onto another?

1. Spondylosis

2. Spondylolysis

3. Spondylolisthesis

4. Spinal stenosis

The correct answer is: Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is the condition that describes the slippage of one vertebral body onto another. This can occur due to several reasons, including degenerative changes in the spine, trauma, or congenital factors. In patients with spondylolisthesis, the anterior-posterior alignment of the vertebrae is disrupted, which may lead to nerve compression, back pain, and other associated symptoms. This condition primarily affects the lumbar region of the spine, and its severity can vary, with some individuals experiencing mild symptoms while others may have significant discomfort and functional limitation. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which show the degree of slippage and its impact on surrounding structures. The other conditions listed involve different pathologies: spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine, commonly associated with osteoarthritis; spondylolysis denotes a defect or fracture in a specific part of the vertebra known as the pars interarticularis, which does not necessarily involve slippage of the vertebrae; and spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to compression of neural elements but does not describe slippage. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management in