Spondylolisthesis
What is degenerative spondylolisthesis?
Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra in the spine slips forward over the vertebra below it due to intervertebral discs and facet joint degeneration. This condition most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back) and can lead to spinal instability, pain, and nerve compression. It is a common degenerative condition, mostly affecting women over the age of 40 at the lumbar vertebra L4/5.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis typically results from age-related changes in the spine. Key factors contributing to this condition include:
- With aging, the discs between the vertebrae lose water content and height, becoming less effective as shock absorbers. This leads to increased motion between vertebrae.
- The facet joints, which help stabilize the spine, can develop arthritis over time. This degeneration can cause the joints to become less stable, allowing one vertebra to slip over another.
- The ligaments that support the spine can weaken and become lax with age, contributing to the instability that leads to vertebral slippage.
- It is often associated with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord and nerves.
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the slippage and the degree of nerve compression. The main symptoms include:
- persistent low back pain
- leg pain, sciatica
- numbness and tingling due to nerve compression
- pain and cramping in the legs
- difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Spine surgeon Dr. Mathew Cyriac will review your medical history and inquire about your symptoms. He will perform a physical examination to evaluate your pain, range of motion, and neurological function. Imaging studies, including X-rays, MRI, and a CT scan, will be ordered. X-rays will show spinal alignment and the degree of slippage. An MRI can provide detailed images of soft tissues, including discs, nerves, and the spinal cord, to aid in assessing nerve compression. A CT scan will offer details of the bones, help evaluate the facet joints and reveal bone spurs.
Schedule a consultation today
When you or a loved one has back pain, it is important to see an expert. Contact Dr. Cyriac to schedule a consultation at Tulane Orthopedics in New Orleans. Dr. Cyriac specializes in diagnosing and managing degenerative cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine conditions, as well as complex spinal deformity, such as adult scoliosis. Dr. Cyriac utilizes the latest non-operative and operative treatment options including minimally invasive and motion-preserving surgical techniques. Dr. Cyriac’s office is at Tulane Orthopedics in New Orleans, and he sees patients from throughout Louisiana and the U.S. You’re in expert hands.
At a Glance
Dr. Mathew Cyriac
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon
- Trains Surgeons Nationwide in New Spine Techniques
- Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Tulane University
- Learn more
