Spondylolisthesis is a spinal disorder in which one vertebra glides forward over the vertebra below.
Types of Spondylolisthesis:
The symptoms of degenerative spondylolisthesis include:
Very few cases do not exhibit symptoms however is diagnosed along with other problem. Severe cases often lead to spinal stenosis, nerve compression, pain and neurological injury.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis develops because of the periodic wear and tear of the spinal components.
An interesting feature of this condition is that not all patients experience pain. The symptoms of isthmic spondylolisthesis include:
Isthmic spondylolisthesis results from improper formation of bone. Excessive stress rendered on the spine causes weakening or fracture of insufficiently developed vertebral structures. Repetitive activities such as heavy weight lifting, crouching, or twisting may cause fractures to occur and lead to a vertebral slip. Weightlifters, football players, and gymnasts are more prone to suffer from this condition due to the significant amount of stress exerted on their spines.
Diagnosis of spondylolisthesis is based on the following:
The spinal condition can be graded per the degree of sliding varying from mild to severe.
The healthcare professionals use the Meyerding Grading System for the classification of vertebral body slips. This system is not difficult to understand. Vertebral slips are graded based on the percentage that one vertebra has slipped forward over the one below.
Grade I: 1-24%
Grade II: 25-49%
Grade III: 50-74%
Grade IV: 75%-99% slip
Grade V: 100%, complete slip, known as Spondyloptosis.
The appropriate treatment of these conditions depends on several aspects such as the degree of slip, pain, and neurological symptoms. Generally, grade III and above require surgery; however, grade I and II are treated conservatively.
Non-surgical treatment for most of the cases includes:
These conditions gradually progress over time; worsens and may cause serious problems. Hence it is very essential that you maintain regular follow-up appointments with your spine doctor.
Surgical treatment:
Surgery is recommended if the symptoms fail to resolve with the conservative treatment. Severe cases of spondylolisthesis progress and cause serious problems. Spinal fusions (use of bone grafts) with instrumentation (use of implants such as plates, screws, rods, interbody cages, wires, hooks) are some of the common procedures performed to halt the progression and stabilize the spine. The new advanced generation uses minimally invasive technique; a smaller incision is placed than the traditional large open incision. Your surgeon will discuss with you regarding the procedure in detail, advantages, risks and complications.