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3 replies [Last post]
February 8, 2010 - 9:46am
Ellen1231
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Joined: 12/22/2009
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grade1 anterolisthesis of L4 on L5 S1 spinal fusion

In May 2009 I had a spinal fusion of L5 S1. Started out healing well and then around November I started with severe pain and spasms in my left buttock and down my left leg. Also burning and spasms in my lower back. Physical therapist changed me to water therapy and it helps for the time but not long term. Orthopedic surgeon wouldn't listen and I fianlly couldn't stand it any longer I went to the emergency room on 2/1. They took an x-ray and found a grade 1 anterolisthesis of L4 and degenerative facet changes.

What does this mean?

Thanks for any help... I am so tired of this...

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February 8, 2010 - 11:39am
#1
marirlpn
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Hi Ellen,

You many have instability of your spine. Have you had your OS look at these x-rays? If you can, I would get another opinion.

Best to you,

Marianne

_____________

Please click on my picture for medical/surgical history

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February 8, 2010 - 4:17pm
#2
jellyhall
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Joined: 10/16/2009
Posts: 2821
Points: 5662
spondylolisthesis

Grade 1 anterolisthesis is the lower level Grade (out of 5 Grades) of a forward slip of the vertebra. If you look up spondylolisthesis on this Spine Health site, there is a lot of information about it.

I was told that people can and do live with this, but you will probably need to do excercises to strengthen your back and core stability muscles. I have been fighting my Grade 2 spondylolisthesis for a couple of years, and have just been told that I need a laminectomy and fusion to correct it because I now have severe stenosis on my cord and nerve roots.

I would get some medical advice.
Take care, and I hope that things work out well.

_____________

Grade 2 spondylolisthesis causing severe stenosis + DDD
L4/L5 decompression (laminectomy) and PLIF 19th March 2010
Herniations at T12/L1, T9/T10 and T8/T9 (mildly indenting cord)
Significant cervical spondylosis from C3-C7
C3/C4 and C4/C5 are compressing the cord (mild to moderate)
Waiting 6 months to see how much worse things get

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February 8, 2010 - 8:37pm
#3
gwennie17
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Posts: 3099
Points: 6230
spondy --

I would suggest making an appointment with another surgeon. You really need to have this evaluated by a fellowship-trained spinal specialist. It is probably responsible for the pain you have been feeling.

When there is slippage, a nerve can become squished, or it can get kind of caught when the sliding occurs, and then it can be freed back up....it all depends on your instability.

_____________

I have no medical training. Comments are based on personal experience and lots of research and reading.
PLIF @ L4-5 with Peek cage, rods and screws Jan 2008
Lami-foraminotomy L5-S1 Jan 2009
Fusion L3-S1 coming up -- 1 June

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