Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
The lumbar spine is a perfectly aligned S-shape, but slippage distorts this shape. In lumbar spondylolisthesis, the lumbar vertebrae slide forward or backward.
I. Slippage classification
1.Degenerative slippage of the lumbar spine.
It is most commonly caused by degenerative disease. It is usually present in the elderly.
2.Slip of the lumbar spine in the isthmus.
Affects adults and children. It is usually caused by a small fracture of the isthmus (part of the articular eminence).
3. dysplastic slippage.
Also known as congenital lumbar spondylolisthesis, it is the result of a congenital birth defect.
4.Pathogenic slippage.
This form of lumbar spine slippage is caused by disease, such as a tumor or infection.
5. Traumatic (of trauma) slippage.
Fractures resulting from traumatic events
II. “Grades of lumbar spine slippage”
The severity of slippage is determined by the degree of slippage, that is, the percentage of slippage of one vertebral body versus another. The higher the grade of slippage, the more severe the symptoms. Each slippage grade represents 25% of the slippage of one vertebra to the other vertebra.
Slippage can occur anywhere in the lumbar spine and is a major source of back pain. In many cases, symptoms of slippage can be improved with non-surgical treatment, but severe slippage may require surgical treatment.
III. “Slipped lumbar spine symptoms”
varies greatly from patient to patient and can vary in presentation from mild to severe. Some patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis may not even have any symptoms. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may manifest only as pain after activity. Localized pain or radiating pain, muscle tension or stiffness in the back, buttocks and/or thighs, localized pressure and pain in the slipped segment, reduced mobility of the low back, numbness or tingling in the lower extremities, and reduced muscle strength in the lower extremities if not treated in a timely manner may result.
IV. “Treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis”
The first occurrence of lumbar spondylolisthesis should first be applied conservative treatment method before taking active surgical intervention. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis includes physical therapy of the core muscles, application of anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural injections, brace immobilization and strict bed rest.
Conservative treatment methods such as rest and local braking can help relieve the symptoms of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Functional exercise, on the other hand, can be very helpful in strengthening and rebuilding the stability of the lumbar spine. However, in particularly severe cases, surgery may need to be considered.
If you are suffering from lumbar spondylolisthesis, please contact us promptly. We will create an individualized treatment plan for your lumbar spondylolisthesis using the most advanced ancillary tests and diagnostic tools. The location and severity of your lumbar spondylolisthesis, as well as how much it affects your symptoms in your daily life, will help us determine what lumbar spondylolisthesis treatment plan is best for you.
Timing of surgical treatment.
If the effect of conservative treatment is not good after 6-8 weeks or the patient’s quality of life does not directly improve, patients with existing neurological dysfunction, impaired bowel function, impaired bladder function or progressive aggravation of muscle weakness symptoms, and significant displacement of the slipped vertebrae over 50% of the adjacent vertebral surface may be considered for surgery. Significant deformities in physical appearance may be considered for surgical treatment, and pain in the walking gait or legs may be considered for surgical treatment.