This is the displacement of one vertebra in relation to adjacent vertebrae. If it moves forwards it is called anterolisthesis and if backwards, retrolisthesis. It generally affects the lower part of the spinal column, in the lumbar and sacral regions.
Causes may be congenital or degenerative, from a trauma such as a blow, due to infection, tumour or a fracture caused by excessive joint use.
It often develops asymptomatically and may be discovered by chance in an X-ray. When symptoms occur they include leg pain, especially when standing or walking. Other symptoms are the loss of sensitivity, alteration of one’s walk and urinary incontinence.
Imaging tests are required for diagnosis so as to show the vertebral displacement.
When spondylolisthesis causes acute pain, relative rest is required, along with treatment with analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Decompression surgery and spinal fusion of the vertebrae is recommended when the pain is intense and disabling, and/or there are symptoms that the nerve roots are affected.
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