Spondylolisthesis Treatments

Initially spondylolisthesis treatment should be approached with conservative methods before surgical intervention is considered.

Conservative, non-surgical spondylolisthesis treatment may include physical therapy with an emphasis on core muscle building, anti-inflammatory medications, epidural injections, a brace, and rest.

Along with rest and activity modification, conservative treatment can help alleviate Spondylolisthesis . Exercise particularly, is likely to help strengthen and realign the spine. Additionally, epidural steroid injections and selective nerve root blocks may help provide relief and break the cycle of inflammation often found in spondylolisthesis.

By using advanced diagnostic tools and procedures, Atlantic Spine Center will work with you to tailor a spondylolisthesis treatment program for your condition. The location of your vertebral slippage, the severity of it, and how much affect your symptoms have on your daily life will also be in taken into consideration to help decide what spondylolisthesis treatment would best suit you. With the guidance of Atlantic Spine Center, you will receive the proper treatment.

When to Consider Surgery for Spondylolisthesis

If 6-8 weeks of conservative treatments have failed to yield positive results and the patients quality of life is being directly affected, surgery for spondylolisthesis should be considered.

It is only advised that a spondylolisthesis operation be performed before trying conservative treatments if the patient is experiencing neurologic deficits, impaired bowel or bladder function, or muscle weakness that is continuing to worsen.

In addition, if one or more of the following applies, then a spondylolisthesis operation should be considered.

  • Significant slippage of more than 50% of one vertebra over the other
  • Significant cosmetic deformity
  • Gait disturbance or pain in the leg

Minimally Invasive Spondylolisthesis Surgery

eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion: An XLIF procedure is a gentle, less invasive form of traditional spinal fusion. The XLIF procedure allows the surgeon to gain access to the spine from the side instead of the anterior (front) or posterior (back). By avoiding gaining access through the abdomen or cutting through muscle and tissue to reach the spine from the back, XLIF allows for a less painful surgery with fewer traumas to the body than traditional open fusion surgery. Spondylolisthesis surgery that is performed with an XLIF procedure allows a patient to recover in weeks rather than the months that a traditional spinal fusion surgery would take.

Endoscopic Foraminotomy: An endoscopic foraminotomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed to remove debris in the foramina that is contributing to your spondylolisthesis condition. Spinal bone spurs, scar tissue, excessive ligamentum flavum, or disc herniations can be removed through this method. The procedure favors a quick recovery time helping patients to get back to work and normal activities quickly.