Introduction to lumbar spondylolisthesis

  Lumbar spondylolisthesis: the lumbar vertebrae (mostly lumbar 4 and 5) slip forward (or backward) due to the loss of the linkage of the vertebral arch, resulting in compression of the cauda equina or nerve roots in the spinal canal, variation of the lumbar spine bearing force, and a disease with lumbar pain or lower limb paralysis and pain as the main manifestation. Beijing 306 Hospital Orthopedics Ji Yong etiology: the cause of lumbar spine slippage can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired, occurring in childhood or later. It is mainly caused by various excessive mechanical stresses, and triggers include lifting heavy objects, weightlifting, soccer, sports training, trauma, wear and tear. There is another type of lumbar spondylolisthesis that is degenerative, i.e., a structural abnormality that occurs due to aging of various structures of the lumbar spine and usually occurs after the age of 50.  Clinical manifestations: after the occurrence of lumbar spine slippage, the patient may have no symptoms, only in is found when the film is taken; may also appear various symptoms after nerve compression, such as low back pain, lower limb pain, numbness, weakness, and in severe cases, abnormal urination and defecation.  Treatment: 1.Conservative treatment includes bed rest, prohibition of activities that increase the weight-bearing of the lumbar region, such as lifting heavy objects, bending over, etc., combined with physical therapy such as infrared, heat therapy, oral anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs such as Loxone, Fenbid, etc.  2.Surgical treatment: If patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis have neurological symptoms, and the symptoms are not significantly relieved after regular conservative treatment, which seriously affects life and work, surgical treatment should be considered to reset the slipped vertebrae and release the nerve compression.