OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is spondylolisthesis. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how spondylolisthesis will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a tradition question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
A 11 year old male is brought to the clinic because he has been experiencing a few months of back pain. He also recently had a few episodes of bed wetting recently. HIs past medical history is non-contributory, he has had all of his vaccinations, and has no known allergies. He has been trying to take acetaminophen for pain relief but does not feel as though it has fully addressed his pain. His temperature is 98.6°F, blood pressure is 115/70 mm Hg, push is 75/min, and respirations are 15/min. A physical exam reveals a palpable “step-off” that is felt in the lumbosacral region. A straight-leg raise test is negative bilaterally. Perianal sensation is decreased to pinprick, however the patient’s anal wink reflex is intact. What diagnosis can explain this presentation in this patient?
Explanation: palpable “step-off” in lumbosacral region = spondylolisthesis
Page Updated: 11.24.2016