Spondylolisthesis

[EricS]

One of the conditions associated with degeneration of the spine is spondylolisthesis or 'slipped disc' as it is popularly called.

Why such a moniker? Well, it's simple - spondylolisthesis involves the slippage of vertebrae in the spine. What happens is one vertebra is unable to retain its proper position and slips out of its alignment with those above and below it. It is usually caused by degeneration of the spine brought on by one or more from a host of factors.

If the slippage is substantial, the vertebrae may start pressing on the nerves and surgical procedures may be required to treat the condition.

Non surgical procedures can provide relief from pain if no nerve root is affected.

[Augustine5I]

A spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is a slippage of the superior vertebral body on the inferior vertebral body below it. This becomes possible due to segmental instability.

A "type III" sponylolisthesis most commonly occurs at the L4L5 level, and is degenerative in nature.

This increase in sheer force can create nerve irritation and possible disc herniation at the level of the spondylolisthesis.

Hypermobility at the affected segment of the lumbar spine could potentially increase in time, and worsen the condition.

This condition can easily be recognized on both x-rays and an MRI.

The amount of slippage can be measured and broken into four parts:

Grade I : Slippage is of 25% or less.

Grade II: Slippage is between 25% and 50%.

Grade III: Slippage is between 50% and 75%.

Grade IV: Slippage is greater than 75%.



If a spondylolisthesis is suspected, a qualified neurologist should be consulted for various treatment options, including surgery.

All though not the first option, surgical intervention may be necessary to stabilize an extremely unstable lumbar segment via spinal fusion as conservative intervention proves unsuccessful.

I have never heard of this condition being referred to as a "slipped disc" in all my 12 years practicing as a physical therapist. Most lay people (typically the older crowd) see a "slipped disc" as either being their bulging disc or herniated disc. It has been my experience that most lay people have never even heard of a spondylolisthesis in the first place.

Just my two cents.


Tommy Hoffman, P.T.
Healing Back Pain