Please see the index below for a list of all our articles on Spondylolisthesis.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis is diagnosed when a vertebra slips forward as part of the normal aging process of the spine. The L4-L5 spinal segment is mostly affected, followed by L3-L4 and L5-S1.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis typically causes low back pain, neurogenic claudication, sciatica, and radiculopathy. Sleep disturbances, gait abnormalities, and stiffness are rare.
Nonsurgical treatments are tried first for managing degenerative spondylolisthesis. If a medical emergency is present, surgical management may be tried first.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis causes persistent back pain with or without leg pain. If the spinal cord or cauda equina is affected, the condition becomes serious.
Most cases of isthmic spondylolisthesis resolve with rest, medication, and/or exercise. For severe symptoms, surgery may be indicated.
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra slips over the vertebra below it. When spondylolisthesis occurs due to spondylolysis, the condition is called isthmic spondylolisthesis.
Over 75% of people with spondylolysis experience a full recovery with nonsurgical treatments. For asymptomatic people, no treatment is required.
About 10% to 15% of individuals seeking treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis eventually opt for surgical treatment such as spinal decompression or fusion.
Around 10% of patients with spondylolysis develop back pain and 50% to 75% of these symptomatic individuals have accompanying spondylolisthesis.
