Wiltse Classification (Spondylolisthesis)

The Wiltse-Newman-Macnab classification of spondylolisthesis, by etiology, types I/II/III/IV/V.

Open the calculator → Runs in your browser. Data leaves only if you deliberately send a problem report from the interactive tool.

Example

Wiltse type
II - isthmic (pars lesion)

Result: Wiltse type II: isthmic, a lesion in the pars interarticularis (the most common type in younger patients).

The tool opens with these values already filled in. Replace them with your own.

What the result means

Type I
Dysplastic: congenital dysplasia of the L5-S1 articulation.
Type II
Isthmic: a pars interarticularis lesion (IIA lytic, IIB elongated, IIC acute fracture).
Type III
Degenerative: long-standing intersegmental instability with facet remodeling.
Type IV
Traumatic: acute fracture of a posterior element other than the pars.
Type V
Pathologic: generalized or localized bone disease.

What you enter

  • Wiltse type
How this is calculated

Wiltse LL, Newman PH, Macnab I. Classification of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1976;(117):23-29. Read the source ↗

A reference and educational tool. Not medical, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for clinician judgment.

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Built by Clay Good. Source on GitHub.