Spinal Condition
Spondylolisthesis Treatment
Slipped Bone — Vertebral Instability
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it — destabilising the spine and often compressing exiting nerve roots.
Understanding Spondylolisthesis
The most common form — isthmic spondylolisthesis — results from a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis, a small bone connecting the vertebral facet joints. Degenerative spondylolisthesis, more common in older adults, arises from facet joint arthritis causing instability. The slip is graded I (0–25%) to IV (75–100%). Low-grade slips are often managed non-surgically; high-grade or progressive slips may require spinal fusion to restore stability. Dr. Sparsh Jaiswal performs minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) — a percutaneous approach with markedly less blood loss and a faster return to activity.
infoCommon Causes
- Pars interarticularis stress fracture (isthmic type)
- Facet joint degeneration and arthritis (degenerative type)
- Congenital vertebral malformation
- High-impact sports (gymnastics, cricket fast bowling, weightlifting)
- Traumatic fracture-dislocation
- Post-surgical instability
symptomsKey Symptoms
- check_circleLower back pain aggravated by activity and relieved by rest
- check_circleTightness in the hamstrings causing difficulty walking
- check_circleRadiating pain or numbness into the buttocks and legs
- check_circleVisible step-off deformity at the base of the spine
- check_circleNeurogenic claudication — leg pain and weakness with walking
Diagnosis
Standing lateral X-rays reveal the slip and its grade. Flexion-extension views assess dynamic instability. MRI evaluates nerve compression; CT scan defines the bony anatomy for surgical planning.
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