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Spondylolisthesis
Definition
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it.
Causes
In children, spondylolisthesis usually occurs between the fifth bone in the lower back (lumbar vertebra) and the first bone in the sacrum (pelvis) area. It is often due to a birth defect in that area of the spine or sudden injury (acute trauma).
In adults, the most common cause is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones (such as arthritis).
Bone disease and fractures can also cause spondylolisthesis. Certain sport activities -- such as gymnastics, weight lifting, and football -- put a great deal of stress on the bones in the lower back. They also require that the athlete constantly overstretch (hyperextend) the spine. This can lead to a stress fracture on one or both sides of the vertebra. A stress fracture can cause a spinal bone to become weak and shift out of place.
Symptoms
Spondylolisthesis may vary from mild to severe. A person with spondylolisthesis may have no symptoms.
The condition can produce increased lordosis (also called swayback), but in later stages may result in kyphosis (roundback) as the upper spine falls off the lower spine.
Symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain
- Muscle tightness (tight hamstring muscle)
- Pain, numbness, or tingling in the thighs and buttocks
- Stiffness
- Tenderness in the area of the slipped disc
- Weakness in the legs
Exams and Tests
Your doctor or nurse will examine you and feel your spine. You will be asked to raise your leg straight out in front of you. This may be uncomfortable or painful.
X-ray of the spine can show if a bone in the spine is out of place or broken.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how severe the slippage is. Most patients get better with exercises to stretch and strengthen lower back muscles.
If the slippage is not severe, you can play most sports if there is no pain. Most of the time, you can resume activities slowly.
You may be asked to avoid contact sports or to change activities to protect your back from being overextended.
You will have follow-up x-rays to make sure the problem is not getting worse.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend:
- Back brace to limit spine movement
- Pain medicine
- Physical therapy
Surgery may be needed to fuse the slipped vertebrae if you have:
- Severe pain that does not get better with treatment
- A severe slip of a spine bone
- Weakness of muscles in one or both of your legs
There is a chance of nerve injury with such surgery. However, the results can be very successful.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Exercises and changes in activity are helpful for most people with mild spondylolisthesis.
Possible Complications
If too much slippage occurs, the bones may begin to press on nerves. Surgery may be necessary to correct the condition.
Other complications may include:
- Chronic back pain
- Infection
- Temporary or permanent damage of spinal nerve roots, which may cause sensation changes, weakness, or paralysis of the legs
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your doctor or nurse if:
- The back appears to curve a lot
- You have back pain or stiffness that does not go away
- You have pain in the thighs and buttocks that does not go away
- You have numbness and weakness in legs
References
Spiegel DA, Dormans JP. Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis.In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 671.6.
Rosenbaum RB, Kula RW. Disorders of bones, joints, ligaments, and meninges. In: Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC,eds. Bradley’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders Elsevier; 2012:chap 73.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
