mini Логотип клиники DMC

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISEASE SPONDYLOLYSIS AND SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

The osteo-ligamentous apparatus of the spinal column is designed so as to create stability of the spine. An injury or defect within the structures of the lumbar spine can be a source of low back pain. A slit defect in the inter-articular part of the vertebral arch is called spondylolysis. If a crack occurs on both sides of the vertebral arch, the spine is able to slide forward, a condition called spondylolisthesis. These diseases occur in approximately 5-6% of people.

bone 2 1

The reasons of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis

 There are five main types of lumbar spondylolisthesis:

  1. Dysplastic spondylolisthesis. Dysplastic spondylolisthesis develops when there is a defect (malformation) in the vertebra that allows the vertebra to move forward. This is a congenital disease.
  2. Isthmic spondylolisthesis (Spondylolysis). With isthmic spondylolisthesis, a defect is detected in a part of the vertebra called the inter-articular surface. If the identified defect exists without displacement, the patient is diagnosed with spondylolysis. Isthmic spondylolisthesis can be caused by repeated trauma and is common in overstretched athletes (gymnasts, rugby players, and similar sports).
  3. Degenerative spondylolisthesis. Degenerative spondylolisthesis develops due to arthritic changes in the joints of the vertebrae due to cartilage degeneration. It is common among older patients.
  4. Traumatic spondylolisthesis. Traumatic spondylolisthesis results from direct trauma or damage to the vertebrae. This disorder can be caused by a fracture of the pedicle, a plate of the arch of the vertebra, or the facet joint, which causes the front of the vertebra to move forward in relation to the back of the vertebra.
  5. Pathological spondylolisthesis. Pathological spondylolisthesis is caused by a defect in the bone caused by a tumor.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of spondylolisthesis is pain in the lower back. It gets worse after exercise, especially if the lumbar spine is stretched. Other symptoms include a tight hamstring and decreased range of motion in the lower back. Some patients may experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in their legs due to nerve compression. Severe compression of the nerves can cause loss of bowel or bladder control or cauda equina syndrome.

In most cases, when examining a patient, it is impossible to identify signs of spondylolisthesis. Patients usually complain of back pain and recurrent leg pain. Spondylolisthesis often causes muscle spasms or hamstring tension.

Spondylolisthesis is easily detected using plain radiographs. A lateral x-ray will show if one of the vertebrae has moved forward in relation to the adjacent vertebra. Spondylolisthesis is divided into degrees depending on the percentage of displacement of the vertebra in relation to the adjacent vertebra.

Grade I – offset up to 25%.

Grade II – 26% to 50% bias.

Grade III – 51% to 75% bias.

Grade IV – 76% to 100% bias.

Grade V develops when a vertebra is completely detached from an adjacent vertebra (spondyloptosis).

OUR NEUROSURGEONS
Menu