A retrolisthesis is an acute, degenerative, or congenital condition in which a vertebra in the spine becomes displaced and moves backward.In most cases, retrolisthesis occurs when a soft disc that separates and cushions vertebrae either deteriorates or ruptures.rthritis is a leading cause of retrolisthesis in older people, which leads to deterioration of disc tissue. Severe back injuries and congenital spine defects can also result in vertebral slippage. Retrolisthesis is most likely to affect a bone in the uppermost section of the spine, called the cervical region.