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Introduction
Welcome to the Explaining Spondylolisthesis
section, which is designed to help you learn more about spondylolisthesis
and how it is treated. It has been written by a group of expert
doctors and nurses who are committed to helping patients, their
families and friends better understand various spinal conditions.
While we are sure that you will find the site to be informative
and enjoyable, please remember that the key element in your treatment
will be to maintain close contact with your physician.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
I. Definition
The word spondylolisthesis derives
from two parts - spondylo which means spine, and listhesis which
means slippage. So, a spondylolisthesis is a forward slip of
one vertebra (i.e., one of the 33 bones of the spinal column)
relative to another. Spondylolisthesis usually occurs towards
the base of your spine in the lumbar area.
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II. Spondylolisthesis Description
Spondylolisthesis can be described
according to its degree of severity. One commonly used description
grades spondylolisthesis, with grade 1 being least advanced,
and grade 5 being most advanced. The spondylolisthesis is graded
by measuring how much of a vertebral body has slipped forward
over the body beneath it.
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Grade 1 |
25% of vertebral body has
slipped forward |
|
Grade 2 |
50% |
|
Grade 3 |
75% |
|
Grade 4 |
100% |
|
Grade 5 |
Vertebral body completely
fallen off (i.e.,spondyloptosis) |
How Do People Get Spondylolisthesis?
Approximately 5-6% of males,
and 2-3% of females have a spondylolisthesis. It becomes apparent
more often in people who are involved with very physical activities
such as weightlifting, gymnastics, or football. Males are more
likely than females to develop symptoms from the disorder, primarily
due to their engaging in more physical activities. Although some
children under the age of five may be pre-disposed towards having
a spondylolisthesis, or may indeed already have an undetected
spondylolisthesis, it is rare that such young children are diagnosed
with spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis becomes more common
among 7-10 year olds. The increased physical activities of adolescence
and adulthood, along with the wear- and-tear of daily life, result
in spondylolisthesis being most common among adolescents and
adults.
I. Types of Spondylolisthesis.
Different types of spondylolisthesis
may be caused in a different ways. Some examples are:
Developmental Spondylolisthesis
This type of spondylolisthesis
may exist at birth, or may develop during childhood, but generally
is not noticed until later in childhood or even in adult life.
Acquired Spondylolisthesis
Acquired spondylolisthesis can
be caused in one of two ways: i. With all of the daily stresses
that are put on a spine, such as carrying heavy items and physical
sports, the spine may wear out (i.e., degenerate). As the connections
between the vertebrae weaken, this may lead to a spondylolisthesis.
ii. A single or repeated force being applied to the spine can
cause a spondylolisthesis; for example, the impact of falling
off a ladder and landing on your feet, or the regular impact
to the spine endured by offensive linemen playing football.
II. What Symptoms Might I
Notice?
Many people with a spondylolisthesis
will have no symptoms, and will only become aware of the problem
when it is revealed on an x-ray for a different problem. However,
there are several symptoms that often accompany spondylolisthesis:
- Pain in the low back, especially
after exercise
- Increased lordosis (i.e., swayback).
- Pain and/or weakness in one
or both thighs or legs
- Reduced ability to control bowel
and bladder functions
- Tight hamstring musculature
- In cases of advanced spondylolisthesis
changes may occur in the way people stand and walk; for example,
development of a waddling style of walking. This causes the abdomen
to protrude further, due to the lowback curving forward more.
The torso (chest, etc.) may seem shorter; and muscle spasms in
the lowback may occur.
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