Spondylolisthesis is the forward slipping of one vertebra over another vertebra below it. What makes this shift possible is that the bone bridge called the pars articularis, which normally connects the front and back parts of the vertebra, is broken on both sides. This condition is called spondylolysis.
Who gets spondylolisthesis and why?
The disruption of the integrity of the bone bridges, which we define as spondylolysis, which will lead to spondylolisthesis in the future, causes many different diseases. It may develop as a result of cause. This bone bridge integrity may not be congenital (congenital spondylolisthesis); or it may develop as a result of subsequent repetitive trauma (isthmic spondylolisthesis). The most important cause of isthmic spondylolisthesis, which is seen mostly at young ages, is sports that force the spine to move beyond normal limits. Examples of these sports include contact sports such as gymnastics, ballet, football, and weight training. Another important development path, which we see mostly in older age groups, is the time-related degenerations in the intervertebral joints and fluid cushions, and the loss of the support and resistance they should provide against spinal movements, and as a result, the vertebrae cannot prevent the vertebrae from sliding forward (degenerative spondylolisthesis).
What are the symptoms of spondylolisthesis?
The most common clinical complaint is low back pain. This pain often radiates to the legs. Spasm and pain in the muscles in the back of the thigh are important symptoms, and the presence of these symptoms, especially in young people and children who do sports, should bring to mind spondylolisthesis. In advanced cases, pain and numbness spreading to the feet and loss of reflexes and movements due to nerve compression may be observed.
How is spondylolisthesis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through direct x-rays. and can be detected by computed tomography (CT / CT).
What is the treatment of spondylolisthesis?
Medical treatment in patients classified as Grade 1 and 2 with no progression in the amount of slippage. and physical therapy may be sufficient to improve the complaints.
Rest, painkillers, heat application, and the use of a corset during the painful period may reduce the complaints. Acute After this period, exercises that strengthen the waist and abdominal muscles prevent the progression of the slip and are useful in reducing the frequency of complaints.
Surgical treatment should be preferred for Grade 1 and 2 slips that are observed to progress and Grade 3 and 4 slips that are determined to be Grade 3 and 4. In surgical treatment, the pressure on the pinched nerves is removed and stabilization is achieved by placing screws. By adding bone tissue to this area, the vertebrae are fused together and the possibility of slipping is eliminated.
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