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The spine is comprised of 33 bones, called vertebra, stacked on top of each other interspaced by discs. Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward or backwards relative to the vertebra below. More specifically, retrolisthesis is when the vertebra slips posteriorly or backwards, and anterolisthesis is when the vertebra slips anteriorly or forward.
Spondylosis and Spondylolisthesis are different conditions. They can be related but are not the same. Spondylosis refers to a fracture of a small bone, called the pars interarticularis, which connects the facet joint of the vertebra to the one below. This may lead to instability and ultimately slippage of the vertebra. Spondylolisthesis, on the other hand, refers to slippage of the vertebra in relation to the one below.
There are several types of spondylolisthesis, often classified by their underlying cause:
Degenerative spondylolisthesis is the most common cause, and is due to general wear and tear on the spine. Overtime, the bones and ligaments which hold the spine together may become weak and unstable.
Isthmic spondylolisthesis is the result of another condition, called “spondylosis“. Spondylosis refers to a fracture of a small bone, called the pars interarticularis, which connects the facet joint of the vertebra to the one below. If this interconnecting bone is broken, it can lead to slippage of the vertebra. This can sometimes occur during childhood or adolescence but go unnoticed until adulthood when degenerative changes cause worsening slippage.
Congenital spondylolisthesis occurs when the bones do not form correctly during fetal development.
Traumatic spondylolisthesis is the result of an injury such as a motor vehicle crash
Pathologic spondylolisthesis is when other disorders weaken the points of attachment in the spine. This includes osteoporosis, tumors, or infection that affect the bones and ligaments causing them to slip.
Iatrogenic spondylolisthesis is the result of a prior surgery. Some operations of the spine, such as a laminectomy, may lead to instability. This can cause the vertebra to slip post operatively.
Spondylolisthesis is classified based on the degree of slippage relative to the vertebra below:
Spondylolisthesis can cause compression of spinal nerves and in severe cases, the spinal cord. The symptoms will depend on which vertebra is affected.
Cervical Spondylolisthesis (neck)
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis (low back)
Your doctor may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of your spondylolisthesis. The most common imaging tests used include:
For those experiencing pain, oral medications are first line treatments. This includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or in severe cases opioids or muscle relaxants (with extreme caution). Topical medications such as lidocaine patches are also sometimes used.
Physical therapy can help improve mobility and strengthen muscles around your spine to stabilize your neck and lower back. You may also receive stretching exercises to improve flexibility and balance exercises to improve coordination.
Surgery is reserved for severe cases of spondylolisthesis in which there is a high degree of instability and symptoms of nerve compression.
In these cases a spinal fusion may be necessary. This surgery joins two or more vertebra together using rods and screws, in order to improve stability.
