Spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis

In spondylolysis, the vertebral arch becomes detached from the vertebral body. This can occur in the lower back due to intense practice of certain sports, but can also be discovered by chance. When the vertebra does not stay in place but shifts, we speak of spondylolisthesis.

What causes spondylolysis?

Spondylolysis occurs mainly in adolescence, usually as a result of intense practice of certain sports. Spondylolisthesis occurs mainly during the growth spurt.

What are the symptoms?

You may suffer from back pain. Usually, symptoms do not appear until later because osteoarthritis also develops in the affected area. As a result, back pain may develop that radiates to the leg.

How is a diagnosis made?

The determination is made based on your symptoms. A classic X-ray can show how far the vertebra slides off with spondylolisthesis. If you also have leg pain, an NMR scan (MRI) is done.

RX skeleton

How is spondylolysis treated?

In young people who experience pain at the onset of spondylolysis, wearing a brace or corset can provide relief. In advanced spondylolysis, physical therapy with stabilization training can help. For this, you can follow an orthopaedic rehabilitation plan.

Orthopaedic rehabilitation

When physical therapy does not bring enough relief, surgery is necessary. A spondylolisthesis can be remedied with a lumbar fusion.

Lumbar fusion

You can find more information about surgery of the spine in the brochure below.

Wervelkolomchirurgie (230.4 KB)