SPONDYLOLYSTHESIS

Spondylolisthesis is a defect or fracture of part of the vertebral bone called the pars interarticularis. It usually occurs in the lumbar region. Spondylolisthesis (Low Back) is a forward slippage of one vertebral body on top of another.

What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?

Usually we have slow onset of symptoms. The common symptoms may include:

Low back pain
Feeling of tightness in the back of thighs
Pain radiating down the legs
Difficulty with upright posture and gait
Difficulty in getting out of bed
Pain on turning in bed
Pain on sitting for long duration

Patients have pain in the back because of the unstable movement of the vertebra. Leg pain is because of pressure on the nerves.

What is the treatment for spondylolisthesis?

The patient may be treated surgically or non-surgically. Treatment can only be decided after thorough examination and investigations. Every patient will have to be individually evaluated and after considering the extent of the spondylolisthesis, age of the patient, presence of medical conditions and expectations of the patient. Only then can a treatment protocol be decided.
Most patients with spondylolisthesis have acute episodes of pain with intervening pain free periods. These symptoms usually improve with rest and time.

When is surgery required?

Patients who have one or more of the following symptoms may require surgery.

Worsening of back pain or persistent leg pain with no improvement even with adequate rest and analgesics
Weakness of the legs,
Disturbance of bowel or bladder function
Progressive forward slipping of the vertebra.

What will be done during the surgery?

The goals of surgery are

To prevent further slipping of the vertebra
To relieve the pressure on the spinal nerves

This will require stabilization of the spine with rods and screws as well as decompression of the nerve roots. We usually put a spacer in the disc space with bone graft.

What are the types of surgery for spondylolisthesis?

Posterior Instrumentation and Fusion- Fusion is the surgery by which the two abnormally moving vertebrae are joined and become a single unit. Instrumentation (stabilization) is the use of metal screws and rods to hold the vertebrae in position till they fuse. Fusion is achieved by placing a bone graft over the back of the vertebrae.

What is the post-operative protocol?

In most cases patients will be ready to walk within the first few days of surgery. Following this a physiotherapist will be there to assist you to start walking and then proceed to spine strengthening exercises. You will be instructed to follow a home program of activity and exercises and asked to come for regular followup