Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis typically develops when a vertebra loses its normal alignment and slips forward. Common causes include:

• Age-related wear and disk degeneration
• A stress fracture in the vertebra (common in young athletes)
• Congenital defects present at birth
• Injury or trauma to the spine
• Stress from certain sports or activities

Diagnosing spondylolisthesis starts with a thorough evaluation by a POSH spine specialist. Our specialists typically evaluate patients by:

• Physical exam. Our specialists will review your medical history and assess your symptoms and physical condition, including flexibility, strength, and areas of tenderness.
• Imaging tests. Dynamic X-rays (in flexion and extension), MRI or CT scans give our specialists a detailed look at your spine, helping confirm the degree of slippage and rule out other causes.

POSH specialists work alongside a multidisciplinary team to deliver nonsurgical treatments for spondylolisthesis. Together, these options are designed to ease your symptoms and help you move more comfortably without surgery.

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Activity modification
• Prescriptive Medication

When nonsurgical methods don’t provide sufficient relief, a POSH specialist will discuss surgical options, which may include:

• Spinal fusion: Stabilizes the spine by fusing the slipped vertebra to the bone above or below it, preventing further slippage. If left unchecked, the movement of the bone can lead to more extensive and challenging surgery to correct the condition.
• Decompression surgery: Relieves pressure on affected nerves by removing tissue or bone contributing to the compression, often performed alongside spinal fusion. There are some instances when a decompression alone may be sufficient to provide relief. The POSH team can walk you through if you are a candidate for a specific treatment.