Did You Know?

If you require surgery to reduce back pain caused by Spondylolisthesis, what is the least invasive surgery that can repair the damage?

  • Endoscopic Foraminotomy
    In causes of minor Spondylolisthesis an Endoscopic Foraminotomy can help by removing debris and freeing up room for surrounding nerves. This is a minimally invasive procedure so recovery times are much shorter than traditional surgery. For more information about how an Endoscopic Foraminotomy procedure is performed click here.
  • Spinal Fusion
    A spinal fusion can help by fusing together the vertebrae in your spine. The downside to this surgery is that it may take as long as a year to fully heal from it and that it may cause the vertebrae above and below the fusing to become weaker and more prone to injury. Try again
  • Anterior Lumbar Inter-body Fusion (ALIF)
    This is a surgery that is done by approaching the spine from an incision in the abdomen, other than that it is very similar to a spinal fusion where the effected part is removed and the vertebrae are fused together. Try again

What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a medical term used when a vertebra section of the spine slips forward or backward onto another vertebra below it. There are two different classifications of spondylolisthesis; degenerative and isthemic.

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms will vary from patient to patient depending on how server their spondylolisthesis is. In early stages spondylolisthesis symptoms of pain and radiculitis may be present when activity involving the back is performed. Other symptoms may include pain in the area of the slippage, muscle tightness in the hamstrings, stiffness, and pain in the thighs and buttock. It is important to note that not all cases of Spondylolisthesis will present with painful symptoms. These are often discovered as patients ask their doctors about deformities they have found in their back.

What causes Spondylolisthesis?

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is caused by weakness of ligaments while isthemic slippage is caused by a fracture or fractures in vertebral bone (pars interarticularis defect).

Treatment Options for Spondylolisthesis

Conservative spondylolisthesis treatment should be attempted for 6 weeks prior to any surgical decision. These treatments may include physical therapy with an emphasis on core muscle building, anti inflammatory medication, lumbar epidural injection, lumbar bracing, and rest.

If spondylolisthesis treatments fail to provide substantial relief during this period surgery may be required for adequate relief of symptoms. Spondylolisthesis surgery can be accomplished with an endoscopic foraminotomy. This is a minimally invasive technique that only requires a very small incision and local anesthetic. For more detailed information or to see if you are an eligible candidate please click here.

How Can We Help

Atlantic Spinal Care has been successfully treating Spondylolisthesis in hundreds of patients every year. If you are interested in learning more about how Atlantic Spinal Care can help you relieve the pain you suffer as a result of Spondylolisthesis please consider one or more of the following options: