Learn About Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine moves forward, out of its proper position, in relation to the bone below it.
Low back pain - spondylolisthesis; LBP - spondylolisthesis; Lumbar pain - spondylolisthesis; Degenerative spine - spondylolisthesis
In children, spondylolisthesis usually occurs between the fifth bone in the lower back (lumbar vertebra) and the first bone in the sacrum (pelvis) area. It is often due to a birth defect in that area of the spine or sudden injury (acute trauma).
In adults, the most common cause is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones, such as arthritis. The condition mostly affects people over 50 years old. It is more common in women than in men.
Bone disease and fractures can also cause spondylolisthesis. Certain sports activities, such as gymnastics, weightlifting, and football, greatly stress the bones in the lower back. They also require that the athlete constantly overstretch (hyperextend) the spine. This can lead to a stress fracture on one or both sides of the vertebra. A stress fracture can cause a spinal bone to become weak and shift out of place.
Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may vary from mild to severe. Many people with spondylolisthesis have no symptoms. Children may not show symptoms until they're 18 years old.
The condition can lead to increased and abnormal lordosis (also called swayback). In later stages, it may result in kyphosis (roundback) as the upper spine falls off the lower spine.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Lower back pain
- Muscle tightness (tight hamstring muscle)
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the thighs and buttocks
- Lower back stiffness
- Tenderness in the area of the vertebra that is out of place
- Weakness in the legs
- Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
Treatment depends on how severely the vertebra has shifted out of place. Most people get better with exercises that stretch and strengthen lower back muscles.
If the shift is not severe, you can play most sports if there is no pain. Most of the time, you can slowly resume activities.
You may be asked to avoid contact sports or to change activities to protect your back from being overextended.
You will have follow-up x-rays to make sure the problem is not getting worse.
Your provider may also recommend:
- A back brace to limit spine movement
- Pain medicine (taken by mouth or injected into the back)
- Physical therapy
Surgery may be needed to fuse the shifted vertebrae if you have:
- Severe pain that does not get better with treatment
- A severe shift of a spine bone
- Weakness of muscles in one or both of your legs
- Difficulty with controlling your bowels or bladder
There is a chance of nerve injury with such surgery. However, the results can be very successful.
Jefferson University Physicians Of New Jersey PC
James Harrop is a Neurosurgery provider in Voorhees, New Jersey. Dr. Harrop is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spondylolisthesis. His top areas of expertise are Cervical Myelopathy, Cervical Spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, Laminectomy, and Spinal Fusion.
Neurosurgical Associates Ltd
Jay Turner is a Neurosurgery provider in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Turner has been practicing medicine for over 17 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spondylolisthesis. His top areas of expertise are Kyphosis, Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Spondylosis, Spinal Fusion, and Laminectomy.
Summit Orthopedics
Edward Santos, M.D., is a spine surgeon at Summit Orthopedics, serving Minneapolis/St. Paul metro patients. He completed four fellowships: Adult Orthopaedic Reconstruction at the University of Minnesota, Spine Surgery at Twin Cities Spine Center, Revision Joint Surgery and Transplantation in Australia, and Spine Surgery in Australia. As an associate professor at the University of Minnesota, he educated medical residents for over a decade. He is a frequent Top Doctor recipient from Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. He says, “I want to be the doctor with whom patients can share their fears and concerns and dreams. And when they tell me I’ve changed their life and given them back their life? Without a doubt, that’s the best part of my job.". Dr. Santos is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spondylolisthesis. His top areas of expertise are Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Invertebral Disc Disease, Herniated Disc Surgery, and Cervical Disc Surgery.
Exercises and changes in activity are helpful for most people with mild spondylolisthesis.
If too much movement occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves. Surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.
Other complications may include:
- Long-term (chronic) back pain
- Infection
- Temporary or permanent damage of spinal nerve roots, which may cause sensation changes, weakness, or paralysis of the legs
- Difficulty controlling your bowel or bladder
- Arthritis that develops above the level of the slippage
Contact your provider if:
- Your back appears to have a severe curve
- You have back pain or stiffness that does not go away
- You have pain in the thighs and buttocks that does not go away
- You have numbness and weakness in legs
- You have trouble controlling bowel movements or urination
Summary: This study aims to systematically evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of dual-channel endoscopic spinal decompression versus lumbar decompression with fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Patients undergoing either procedure will undergo detailed preoperative and postoperative follow-up to compare outcomes between the two techniques, specifically assessing postoperative pain relief, neu...
Summary: Creation of a pediatric robotic spine surgery registry will allow for data collection and analysis on the coupled use of robotics and navigation, as well as patient-specific rods in pediatric spine deformity surgery across participating study institutions. Eventually, an educational and informative framework for this technology will be established.
Published Date: August 27, 2024
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Porter AST. Spondylolisthesis. In: Giangarra CE, Manske RC, eds. Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: A Team Approach. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 80.
Williams KD. Spondylolisthesis. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 40.