Treatment options for spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is an anterior displacement of a vertebra or the vertebral column in relation of the vertebrae below. There are five grades based on the percentage calculated from the distance between the posterior edge of the superior vertebrae to the posterior edge of the inferior vertebrae compared to the total superior vertebrae length.

The first line of treatment options includes non-surgical methods such as anti-inflammatory drugs, or oral corticosteroids when more severe pain is present. Physical therapy might be of big help. In certain patients lumbosacral orthoses might be recommended to help the spine to keep the good posture.


In the end, if the above mentioned methods do not help at all for at least 6-12 weeks, surgery might be considered. Which type of surgery would be most beneficial for you, depends on the results from the physical examination from an orthopedic surgeon and the results from visualization methods (X-ray, CT scan or MRI).