Spondylolisthesis (Slipped Bone)

What is a Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis, or slipped bone, is a condition wherein one vertebra/bone has shifted from its position and onto another one. Though there are various causes to it, spondylolisthesis is often caused by degeneration due to age or other underlying factors, or even due to a single or repetitive injury to the bone resulting in a gap.
It is often observed to have the following symptoms:
  • Back pain
  • Pain down the legs
  • Weakness of the legs
  • Tingling, burning sensation or numbness in the legs
Figure: Picture showing a spinal bone slipped over the sacrum(spondylolisthesis)

Treatments

A thorough consultation is often needed prior to treatment, to help accurately determine and diagnose your condition and its intensity. X-rays, MRIs, etc. can help the doctor in diagnosing your condition effectively and accurately.
Once the diagnosis is obtained, the appropriate treatment can be administered to you, that can help your case. Treatments can range from non- or minimally invasive techniques to more extensive methods. For milder cases of spondylolisthesis, physical therapy and/or medication can help the condition. A brace may also be needed to assist recovery. For more intense cases, surgical treatment options are more viable. These can include keyhole nerve decompression surgery, spinal fusion, or even a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF).