traumatology

Spondylolisthesis symptoms

Related articles: Spondylolisthesis

Definition

Spondylolisthesis consists in the slippage of a vertebra with respect to the one below. The result is the partial or total loss of alignment of adjacent vertebral bodies.

Almost always, the sliding occurs forward on the sagittal plane ( anterolisthesis ), but it can also orientate towards one flank ( laterolisthesis ) or backward ( posterolisthesis ).

In most cases, moreover, the sliding involves the fifth lumbar vertebra on the sacrum.

Spondylolisthesis can be congenital or secondary to pathological processes of a different nature. The constitutional predisposition is associated with risk factors such as age-related degeneration (eg osteoarthritis), repeated minimal traumas, the presence of deformities and tumor-based processes.

Subluxation of adjacent vertebral bodies can also occur following major trauma.

Spondylolisthesis is more common in women over the age of 40; not surprisingly, conditions such as menopause and osteoporosis can favor the sliding of the vertebrae.

Spondylolisthesis can be of various degrees.

Most common symptoms and signs *

  • Coccyx pain
  • Sore legs
  • Backache
  • Paresthesia
  • Joint stiffness
  • Stiffness in the muscles of the back and neck
  • Sciatica
  • Lhermitte sign
  • Muscle spasms
  • Spinal stenosis

Further indications

The subluxation of the vertebral bodies causes pain in the lumbar area, which is amplified during the movements of the back and can be invalidating. Sometimes, spasms and rigidity are also associated.

In the presence of nerve compression, pain may radiate along the course of the sciatic nerve, from the buttock to the lower limbs.

Spondylolisthesis may predispose to spinal stenosis and the onset of neurological deficits due to spinal cord compression. Other symptoms may therefore include numbness, weakness and tingling sensation.

Once the condition is diagnosed, a doctor or physiotherapist can suggest an exercise program that makes the vertebra slid forward more stable. Other approaches involve the use of orthopedic corsets or corsets. In the most serious cases, surgery (arthrodesis) can be used, which blocks the affected vertebrae.