Spondylolisthesis Treatment
Spondylolisthesis is defined as slow anterior displacement of a vertebra at lower lumbar spine generally lower most vertebras L5 –S1. Frequently occurs between the age of 10 -15 years. Girls are more affected than boys.
Clinical Features Of Different Spondylolisthesis
True (Isthmic) |
Congenital |
Degenerative |
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Clinical Features |
Asymptomatic or low back pain |
Low backache pain, buttocks, feet, toes, thigh and legs. |
Intermittent symptoms is common in elderly patients |
History of trauma present in 50%. Common history of injury in adult and children |
Five times more common in female |
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Deformity |
Increase lumber lordosis |
Stiffness of spine present |
Pain in back, buttock or thigh |
Palpable step L5 S1 |
Buttocks are flat |
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Torso is short |
Scoliosis, pelvic waddle present |
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Transverse furrow at L5 |
Cannot bend beyond lower thigh |
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Sacrum is vertical |
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Buttock flat and hamstring tightness |
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Scoliosis in 13% |
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Neurology |
L5 nerve root involved but rare |
L5 S1 |
L5 rare, L3 L4 common |
Neurological claudication present |
Physiotherapy Measures
- Rest
- Bracing – children rigid brace or adult corset
- Modalities – Short wave, Ultra Sound, Tens
- Correct postural habits
- Exercises – Mobility exercises, active posterior pelvic tilt, abdominal exercises, forward bending exercises, prone lying and repeated stretching of hamstring.