Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis means the disarticulation of one vertebra on top of another.

In other words, it is a state in which the vertebra in the lower part of the spine slips ahead onto a bone below it. The word “spondylolysis” refers there is an exact defect in the bone of the vertebra. It may or may not lead to spondylolisthesis. It can be classified into Isthmic Spondylolisthesis, Degenerative Spondylolisthesis, Dysplastic Spondylolisthesis, Traumatic Spondylolisthesis, and Pathologic Spondylolisthesis.

The most common spondylolisthesis are mainly because of the bony defect and aging. The other causes of spondylolisthesis include tumors, trauma, inborn anomalies, surgical procedures, and bone diseases. Spondylolisthesis in children usually occurs between the lumbar vertebra (fifth bone) and the first bone in the sacrum area because of the birth defect in that area of the spine. Adults experiencing spondylolisthesis is due to degenerative diseases. Stress fractures, traumatic fractures, and bone diseases can also cause spondylolisthesis.

The symptoms of spondylolisthesis can be broad ranging from an insignificant finding on x-ray to severe leg and back pain with nerve damage. A person suffering from spondylolisthesis will experience lower back pain, along with irregular shooting pain beginning from the buttock moving to the back of the lower leg or the thigh. The person may also note a “slipping sensation” while moving into a standing position. Sometimes the symptoms of spondylolisthesis include muscle weakness of the legs, numbness and tingling in the feet and legs, tight hamstrings, lurdosis, and stiffness in back. An individual suffering from spondylolisthesis will find difficulties and pain while trying to stand and sitting. This pain can be intensified by sneezing and coughing. An increase in the level of activity of an individual experiencing spondylolisthesis will increase the pain because of the inflammation of the soft tissues which results rest.

The treatment of spondylolisthesis is extensive ranging. It can be non-surgical or surgical treatment. The selection of appropriate treatment plan is subject to the age of the patient, the symptoms experienced by the patient, and the type of slip. Once it finds that the symptoms are manageable and the slip is small, then the non surgical treatments are preferable. The non surgical treatment includes avoiding hyperextension of the back, stretching and strengthening exercises, and much more with the help of practitioners. In most of the cases of mild spondylolisthesis, conservative therapy is effective.

If the slip is more significant and the symptoms are unwieldy, the problem may progress immediately and surgical treatment may be favored. Additionally if the patient has symptoms of nerve compression, surgery is must. The surgical treatments for spondylolisthesis are often simple and can produce satisfactory result in most of the cases. Recently bone grafting and special hook screw is reported for the treatment of spondylolisthesis. The surgical treatments for spondylolisthesis also include decompression, internal fixation and inter body fusion techniques. If there is continuous compression of the nerve, it can result permanent damage to the nerves.

Certain precautions should be taken to avoid spondylolisthesis. Persons with marked lurdosis must avoid, weight lifting, leaning way back, and hold back from sports activities.