Spondylolisthesis (Slipped Vertebra) Treatment
Spondylolisthesis means one vertebra has slipped forward on the one below it. It can cause back pain and, when it narrows the space for the nerves, leg pain.
Dr. Kris Radcliff is a fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurological Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, and part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics. He has performed thousands of spine surgeries and specializes in endoscopic spine surgery, artificial disc replacement, and other alternatives to fusion.
What causes spondylolisthesis?
In adults it is most often degenerative, from wear of the discs and facet joints, usually at L4-L5. It can also come from a small stress fracture in the back of the vertebra (isthmic spondylolisthesis).
What are the symptoms?
Low back pain, and leg pain or heaviness with walking or standing if the nerves are squeezed (stenosis). Many people with a mild slip have few or no symptoms.
Does it always need surgery?
No. Physical therapy, core strengthening, medications, and injections help many people.
What if I need surgery?
Traditionally, a slip with stenosis has been treated with decompression and fusion. For certain patients with a mild (grade 1) degenerative slip at L3-L4 or L4-L5, TOPS facet replacement stabilizes the spine while keeping motion. When fusion is the right choice, Dr. Radcliff uses minimally invasive techniques such as TLIF, XLIF, or ALIF.
How do I know which option fits me?
It depends on how much the vertebra moves, the health of your discs and joints, and your symptoms. Bring standing and bending X-rays if you have them.
How Dr. Radcliff can help
Go to the emergency room if you have new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or rapidly worsening weakness in your arms or legs.
Schedule a consultation or second opinion
Call 609-800-3472. Dr. Radcliff sees patients in Somers Point, Cherry Hill, and Brick, New Jersey, as part of Progressive Spine & Orthopaedics.
Already have an MRI? Send it to us online before your visit. Fax: 609-842-4040.
Dr. Radcliff accepts most commercial insurance plans and is out of network with most of them. Many Pennsylvania and New Jersey plans have out-of-network benefits, and we can help review your benefits and explain them. Don’t worry. We are all about helping the patients.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment should be based on an evaluation by your own physician.