National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Approximately 50% of patients with cervical spondylolisthesis also have ___________________ of the affected vertebrae.

1. Spina bifida

2. Osteophytes

3. Herniated discs

4. Kyphosis

The correct answer is: Spina bifida

In the context of cervical spondylolisthesis, it is notable that approximately 50% of patients with this condition also present with spina bifida of the affected vertebrae. Spina bifida, particularly in its more common forms, results from improper fusion of the vertebral arches, which can contribute to instability in the cervical spine. This instability, along with innate anatomical variations, can predispose individuals to spondylolisthesis. When considering the nature of spondylolisthesis, it is important to understand that certain congenital or developmental anomalies, such as spina bifida, can play a significant role in the pathophysiology. In patients with cervical spondylolisthesis, the presence of spina bifida may reflect underlying structural weaknesses that contribute to the slippage of vertebrae relative to one another. This is more likely than other conditions that do not directly interact with the support structures of the spine in the same manner. Other conditions listed, though they can be associated with cervical issues, do not demonstrate the same prevalent concurrent incidence with cervical spondylolisthesis. For example, osteophytes are typically related to degenerative changes rather than congenital weaknesses, herniated discs