Meyerding classification is used for spondylolisthesis grading. A Grade III spondylolisthesis means the vertebral body has slipped what percentage of the width of the subjacent vertebra?

• A 0–25%
• B 25–50%
• C 75–100%
• D 50–75% ✓

Explanation

Meyerding classified spondylolisthesis into four grades based on the percentage of anterior slippage of the cranial vertebra relative to the caudal vertebra (at the posterior border): Grade I 0–25%, Grade II 25–50%, Grade III 50–75%, Grade IV 75–100%. Spondyloptosis is >100% (complete fall-off). Grade III (50–75% slip) is associated with significant sagittal deformity, tight hamstrings, pelvic retroversion, and often requires surgical reduction and instrumented fusion rather than simple decompression and fusion in situ.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

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