What is Spondylolisthesis?

Spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra “slips” or becomes displaced and can have varying degrees of severity. This causes the spine to become misaligned and can lead to serious concerns, including lower back pain, upper leg pain, hypersensitive nerves near the affected area, and muscle stiffness and tightness. If left untreated, neurological impairment  may result.

Types of Spondylolisthesis

• Isthmic: A congenital disorder that develops in children between the ages of 5 and 17. Non-surgical treatment is offered unless the displacement is severe, in which case surgery may be necessary.
• Degenerative: Typically caused by the natural process of aging and arthritis, this form of spondylolisthesis is a gradual wearing down of the various tissues, which eventually leads to a vertebral slip.
• Dysplastic: A rare congenital defect that derives from developmental issues, usually on the lower spine where the lumbar spine and sacrum (tailbone) meet.
• Traumatic: Another unusual condition, traumatic spondylolisthesis occurs when fractures occur to the joints that allow the spine to bend and flex.
• Pathologic: This type of displacement only occurs as a result of certain, very rare, metabolic bone diseases.

Treatment for Spondylolisthesis

Nonsurgical treatment options effectively treat the majority of cases of spondylolisthesis.  Treatments can include:

• Physical Therapy
• Injection therapy
• Bracing
• Activity Modification

However, if this condition is causing severe pain or spinal nerve or spinal cord compression, our Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeons may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). MISS surgery patients experience less postoperative pain and have a shorter recovery than traditional open incision spine surgery patients.

Our experts are Fellowship Trained and Board Certified and among New Jersey’s most experienced leaders in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery.