Spondylolisthesis means that one bone of the spine has moved forwards relative to the bone below it. Some people have no symptoms and discover it on a scan taken for another reason.
What symptoms can it cause?
It may be linked with lower back pain. If the movement is associated with narrowing around a nerve, it can also cause sciatica, leg heaviness or difficulty walking.
How is it assessed?
Professor Bateman will consider your symptoms, examine you and review suitable scans. X-rays may help establish any instability (excessive movement during normal activity). An MRI can show whether nerves are under pressure.
Do I need an operation?
Many people can manage their symptoms with exercise, physiotherapy, activity changes or medication. An injection may be considered for particular symptoms.
Surgery is considered for selected patients when symptoms remain severe and the chance of improvement outweighs the risks of the procedure. It may involve decompression to free a nerve; fusion is considered when stabilisation is also needed. The type of operation depends on your anatomy and the symptoms being treated.