Spondylolisthesis

What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra “slips” or becomes displaced and can have varying degrees of severity. This causes the spine to become misaligned and can lead to serious concerns. If left untreated, a neurological impairment may result.

Types of Spondylolisthesis:

• • Isthmic: A congenital disorder that develops in children between the ages of 5 and 17. Nonsurgical treatment is offered unless the displacement is severe, in which case surgery may be necessary.
  • Degenerative: Typically caused by the natural process of aging and arthritis, this form of spondylolisthesis is a gradual wearing down of the various tissues, which eventually leads to a vertebral slip.
  • Dysplastic: A rare congenital defect that derives from developmental issues, usually on the lower spine where the lumbar spine and sacrum (tailbone) meet.
  • Traumatic: Another unusual condition, traumatic spondylolisthesis occurs when fractures occur in the joints that allow the spine to bend and flex.

Symptoms may include:

• • Low back pain
  • Upper leg pain
  • Hypersensitive nerves near the affected area
    muscle stiffness and tightness

When diagnosing degenerative disc disease, The OPA Spine Team:

• • Obtain a complete medical history
  • Perform a physical examination
  • Order and analyze X-rays, CT scans or MRI

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease your symptoms to help you live an active lifestyle.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options effectively treat the majority of cases of spondylolisthesis. Treatments can include:

However, if this condition is causing severe pain or spinal nerve or spinal cord compression, our Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeons may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery. With minimally invasive spine surgery, you will experience less postoperative pain and have a faster recovery than traditional open-incision spine surgery patients.