Spondylolisthesis

What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a slip of a vertebral body relative to an adjacent vertebral body due to the breakdown of the cartilage between the vertebra. This is a condition which causes unbalance and narrowing of the spinal column, known as spinal stenosis. This results in pressure on the nerves and causes pain in the legs or buttocks.

Spondylolisthesis condition is most commonly presented as a degenerative disease in adults. Although, it is possible for adolescents to develop this condition as a result of trauma or deformity. One of the most common symptoms of this condition is mild to moderate back pain. Leg pain also develops if the slip is compressing a nerve.

Spondylolisthesis Symptoms

• Pain radiating down the legs (due to pressure on nerve roots)
• Leg numbness may develop if there is nerve compression
• Lower back pain
• Muscle tightness and stiffness
• Pain in the buttocks

Spondylolisthesis Causes

Adults:

• Arthritic changes
• Pars defect
• Disc degeneration

Adolescents:

• Trauma due to athletic activities
• Isthmic Spondylolisthesis
• Congenital deformity

Spondylolisthesis Treatment Options

Spondylolisthesis is a slip of one vertebral body relative to an adjacent vertebral body due to the breakdown of cartilage between the vertebra.  One of the most common symptoms of Spondylolisthesis is mild to moderate back pain. If the slip is compressing a nerve, leg pain often develops.

Spondylolisthesis Non-Operative Treatment:

For Spondylolisthesis, medications, physical therapy or spinal cortisone injections are indicated for pain relief.  Surgery can be considered for those who do not improve.  The two most recommended surgical options to treat Spondylolisthesis are:

Decompression Treatment:

This procedure involves removing all or a portion of the lamina, removing bone spurs and/or enlarging the foramen to relieve pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord.  This pressure is often the source of pain.

Posterolateral Fusion Treatment:

Usually, in addition to a decompression, your surgeon will also perform an instrumented posterolateral fusion by inserting a series of rods and screws coupled with the placement of bone graft. This fusion provides increased spinal stability. Depending on the severity of the slip and degree of misalignment, the slipped vertebral body is sometimes pulled back to its original position using special instrumentation.

Our Spine Surgeons have been performing spondylolisthesis treatments for years in Boca Raton. For a preferred specialist in Boca Raton, call 561-549-9090.