I have grade 2 spondy and right leg sciatica as a result of nerve compression from the slipped vertebra...but have not opted for surgery. My neurosurgeon did discuss it with me and said the standard procedure for surgery to correct spondylolisthesis is almost always decompression (laminectomy) and fusion (either with instrumentation or without, depends on the individual). Either way, this is a major open-back surgery involving a long (and often painful) recovery. I've heard of the Dynesys procedure, but not in relation to spondylolisthesis. I've already been through a round of physical therapy - which did nothing. I'm guessing the reason the PT didn't work for me, is because I am already quite fit and active and have been that way for most of my life. Nearly all of the exercises that I was given to do in PT, were things that I've been doing for years....so it had very little impact on my improvement. The key for me to keeping my pain level at a tolerable level, is daily exercise and lots of stretching. I bought an inversion table recently, and have been using it daily...I feel it has been helping, especially with the sciatic pain. My next step is to try acupuncture. I've heard from many people that have tried it and said it really does help with nerve-related pain. I plan on avoiding injections and surgery as long as humanly possible.

Linda

Dynesys is not for unstable spines nor is useful to reduce the degree of spondylolisthesis. Typically a fusion with both anterior and posterior approaches are used. Pain reduction after fusion is only marginal for most unless you are having significant leg pain and foot pain...that is helped the most by fusion surgery. Artificial discs cannot be used in cases of spinal instability (Grade II spondylolisthesis)