SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one of the vertebrae (spinal bone) slips out of its place. As a result of that, the spinal cord and nerves pinch; also the cartilage tissue between two vertebrae degenerates. The spinal balance becomes broken. At the early stages of this disease, low back pain occurs, and later on, leg pain occurs too.

Causes of spondylolisthesis:

Breakage of the bone named as “pars interarticularis” is a cause of this disease (isthmic spondylolisthesis). This bone may break by micro traumas. Weak waist and abdominal muscles, obesity, lifting heavy objects are common micro-traumas for this disease.
Agedness also causes spondylolisthesis. (degenerative spondylolisthesis)
It can also happen after waist surgeries if the stability of the spine is lost it the surgery. (iatrogenic spondylolisthesis)
Traumas may cause this disease.
Spondylolisthesis can be seen in different ways. It is treated according to the condition of the spine and examination findings.

When does surgical treatment needed?

If the patient is losing strength in its legs or feet, and having urinary and fecal incontinence surgical treatment is much needed. Pain is a reason for surgery but both the doctor and the patient should decide to seek surgical treatment. If the patient is in pain for more than 3 months, the pain may gain neuropathic character. In this case, the surgery may not be satisfying. Follow up care, exercises strengthening the abdominal and back muscles after 6 weeks and physiotherapy is recommended.