Abstract
The radiological features of “isolated disc resorption” (ISDR) as named by Crock, with special reference to slipping of the vertebral body (isthmic spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, ante-position and retrolisthesis), were studied in 113 cases of ISDR and compared with 406 cases of lumbar disc lesions (DL group). In 68 patients the lesion was at the L5/S level, 42 at L4/5 and 3 at L3/4. The mean age was 53.8 years with the L5/S level group having a younger mean age than the L4/5 level. Sixteen patients (14%) showed isthmic spondylolisthesis, 10 of whom were seen at the L5/S level and 6 at L4/5. In comparison only 5.7% of the DL group had isthmic spondylolisthesis. The frequency of degenerative spondylolisthesis was almost the same in both the ISDR group (10%) and the DL group (12%). Ante-position was less frequent in the ISDR group than the DL group. Retroliosthesis was more predominant in the ISDR group (35%) than DL group (22%). Totally 71% of the ISDR group had slipping of the vertebral body. In conclusion, we believe that slipping of the spine is a special feature of ISDR.
