Which condition is described by reduced lumbar lordosis and sacral kyphosis?

• A. Spondylolysis
• B. Spondylolisthesis
• C. Scoliosis
• D. Herniated disc

Answer: (B)

Sagittal alignment changes in the lower spine explain this pattern. When a vertebra slips forward over the one beneath it, as in spondylolisthesis, the normal inward curve of the lumbar spine (lumbar lordosis) tends to flatten or reduce. This forward slip also alters how the sacrum sits at the base of the spine, often producing a kyphotic orientation of the sacral region. So, the combination of a diminished lumbar lordosis with sacral kyphosis fits best with spondylolisthesis, typically from anterior slippage of a lumbar vertebra (often L5 on S1). Other conditions like spondylolysis, scoliosis, or a herniated disc don’t characteristically present with this specific sagittal alignment pattern.