Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis describes a condition of forward slippage of one vertebrae in the spine over another. This condition in adults is most commonly due to degeneration (wear and tear) of the discs and ligaments that bind and support the spine. With aging, discs lose water content and ultimately height. As the vertebra on either side of the disc come closer to each other through the loss of disc height, the upper vertebra slides forward on the sub adjacent vertebra producing spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis is also associated with deterioration of the facet joints connecting the two vertebra.

Treatment

Arthroscopic Laminectomy

Surgery may be necessary if physical therapy and exercise treatments fail to keep the pain at a tolerable level. This is usually done by performing a laminectomy.

The back of the vertebra is called the lamina. This small, thin bony spinal structure located at the back of the spine covers access to the spinal canal and spinal cord. A laminectomy removes a portion of the lamina. Removing a portion of the lamina gives the surgeon access to the spinal canal so that the surgeon can create more room for the nerves of the spine and thereby reduce the irritation and inflammation on the nerves.