Which condition is characterized by the displacement of a vertebra and can cause leg pain in athletes?

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often due to degenerative changes, injury, or a congenital defect. This forward displacement can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal and irritation of the spinal nerves, which may cause symptoms such as leg pain, particularly in athletes who frequently engage in activities that involve hyperextension of the back, like gymnastics or football.

The relationship between spondylolisthesis and leg pain stems from the potential for nerve root compression, which can manifest as radicular pain radiating down the legs. This pain can significantly impair an athlete's ability to perform, making it crucial to identify and treat the condition appropriately.

Other conditions listed, such as spondylolysis, involve a defect or stress fracture in the vertebra but do not necessarily cause the same anterior displacement as spondylolisthesis. A herniated disc involves the displacement of the disc material rather than the vertebra itself, while spinal stenosis involves narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to similar leg symptoms but does not specifically involve vertebral displacement. Thus, spondylolisthesis is the most relevant condition that directly addresses vertebral displacement and the resultant leg pain in