I was looking for a clear definition of losis verses litis and found this published by the Laser Spine Institute:

Quote:
Spondylitis, Spondylolisthesis, and Spondylosis Definitions

Spondylosis – The basic definition for spondylosis? is “spine problem.” The term refers to age-related degeneration of the spine, either in the vertebrae, facet joints, or intervertebral discs. It is a general term used to describe the weakened state of the spine as people age. This weakened state can lead to specific problems like osteoarthritis of the spine, herniated discs or bulging discs that cause painful stiffness and neural compression. Spondylosis is not a diagnosis in and of itself.

Spondylitis– Also called ankylosing or rheumatoid spondylitis, this condition refers to the chronic inflammation of the vertebrae and the joints surrounding the vertebrae, both facet and sacroiliac.

Spondylolisthesis – This is a degenerative spine condition where one vertebra slips forward and over the vertebra directly beneath it. Mild cases are often asymptomatic, but more severe cases can cause compression on nearby spinal nerves.

I guess if the diagnosis on a MRI says Spondylosis and Ankylosing in the same paragraph, what would you conclude it to be saying(like the "fatty change in some of the vertebral bodies" being inflammation)?

http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/spondylosis/definition/