Articles & Publications About Spondylolisthesis


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Spinal decompression and spinal fusion are both surgical procedures for spondylolisthesis available at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, in addition to a series of other types of treatment. Patients suffering from this condition can benefit from the guidance of the highly skilled specialists at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital in order to choose the most suitable treatment approach.
When one vertebra slips forward on the adjacent vertebrae spondylolisthesis occurs. The condition can be hereditary, or the result of spinal degeneration. It causes a gradual deformity of the lower spine and the narrowing of the vertebral canal, and may also cause back and leg pain.
Surgical procedures as treatment of spondylolisthesis include:
Both procedures can be performed separately too, but in spondylolisthesis, they are often performed in one operating session. It has been proven over the course of time that, depending on the severity of the condition, greater spine stability can be achieved by such a combination.
Spinal fusion performed by the surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Hospital can be divided into three big types, depending on the approach to the vertebral fusion:
All types of surgical techniques listed above can be performed through minimally invasive approach. It is not rare that for spondylolisthesis surgery operating medical specialists choose to apply a combination of minimally invasive and open surgical procedures.
For patients without signs of nerve compression or other neurologic impairment, the treatment consists of medication and physical therapy. Bracing and epidural injections can be recommended.
There are two main types of spondylolisthesis:
Low back pain is the most common symptom of spondylolisthesis.
Spondylolysis cand be developed between the ages of 5-7 and not present symptoms until much later in life, when a sudden twisting or lifting motion can cause an acute episode.
In addition to the pain in the lower back patients can also experience leg pain.
A lot of spondylolisthesis patients can have vague symptoms and very little deformity that is visible.
Often, the first physical sign of spondylolisthesis is tightness of the hamstring muscles in the legs.
Only when the slip reaches more than 50 percent of the width of the vertebral body will there begin to be a visible deformity of the spine.
There may be a dimple at the site of the abnormality.
Sometimes there are mild muscle spasms and usually some local tendernesscan be felt in the area.
Range of motion is often not affected, but some pain can be expected on hyperextension.
A spondylolisthesis also is graded according to the amount that one vertebral body has slipped forward on another:
Risk factors for spondylolisthesis include:
Spondylolisthesis may be caused by any of a number of problems with the small joints in your back. Common causes include:
By stimulating vital energy flow and improving nerve function, acupuncture may be used as an alternative treatment therapy for spondylolisthesis. Always consult your physician at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital for the suitability of this option in your specific case.
To gain access to the deeper inflammation areas, ice packs are sometimes applied alternatively with hot packs or hot baths. Alternate temperatures are known to:
The most commonly used spinal manipulation types of spinal manipulation include:
For detailed information on alternative treatment options and expert medical advice on spondylolisthesis, please contact our knowledgeable medical specialists at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital.
A healthy lifestyle will help prevent not only spondylolisthesis, but other health conditions also. To improve health spine, medical specialists at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital recommend the following lifestyle changes:
If you experience symptoms and signs of spondylolisthesis, consult our knowledgeable, qualified professionals at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan.