Spondylolisthesis
Often, the slip doesn’t cause problems until there is a narrowing of the space available for the nerve roots, resulting in a condition known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis causes back pain and/or leg pain, and limits the ability to walk. Treatment for spondylolisthesis is based on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, as well as the degree and extent of slippage.
Non-Operative Treatment
For the adult patient, pain is generally the major complaint, and may limit the ability of the individual to walk distances. Patients may be referred for physical therapy, prescribed medication, or be referred for an epidural steroid injection.
Operative Treatment
In the adult patient presenting with degenerative spondylolisthesis in which spinal stenosis is present, a decompression procedure, or laminectomy, is done. This is combined with a spinal fusion procedure to prevent recurrence of symptoms due to the unstable spinal segment.
Spondylolisthesis is a relatively common problem and is often effectively treated with nonsurgical approaches. When surgery is indicated, it is addressed to the specific nature of the disorder and most patients obtain good to excellent outcomes. The physicians and surgeons at Florida Spine Specialists are experts in treating spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. Our priority is providing the best care for our patients and treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s specific problems and needs.