Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis: prevalence and association with low back pain in the adult community-based population.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To determine prevalence rates of spondylolysis, isthmic, and degenerative spondylolisthesis in an unselected adult community-based population; and to evaluate the association of spondylolysis, isthmic, and degenerative spondylolisthesis with low back pain (LBP).

Summary Of Background Data: Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are prevalent in the general population; however, the relationship between these conditions and LBP is controversial.

Facet joint osteoarthritis and low back pain in the community-based population.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Objective: To evaluate the association between lumbar spine facet joint osteoarthritis (FJ OA) identified by multidetector computed tomography (CT) and low back pain (LBP) in the community-based Framingham Heart Study.

Summary Of Background Data: The association between lumbar FJ OA and LBP remains unclear.