Non-surgical Management of spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis (unstable vertebrae) is one of the most common spine conditions. And it’s basically that one of more of the vertebrae are not stable and had moved either anterior (antrolisthesis) or posterior (retrolisthesis). That is one of the most common causes of back pain.

 

Most common symptoms.

Severe back pain in more than 80 % of patients.

Sciatica which is defined as pain running from the back throughout the course of the sciatic nerve

Numbness and tingling and parathesia

 

Management

Selective nerve root injection and Radiofrequency and neuroplasty.

 

The most recent protocols for management of spondylolisthesis without surgery are based on selective nerve root injection by anti-inflammatory agents and Hayalase together with hypertonic saline and local anesthetic. Thus, preserving the nerve function and to avoid further nerve damage.

Pulsed Radiofrequency to treat nerve inflammation

Neuroplasty is done through the introduction of a Catheter (Racz catheter) through a designed needle into the epidural space. That catheter is fluoroscopic guided to the area of stenosis in the spinal canal. Where injection of agents for adhesiolysis is done to remove the adhesions thus broadening of the spinal canal.

Procedure duration is about 20 to 30 minutes. The patient can return to resume his daily activities after 24 to 48 hours.

 

The patient is instructed of wearing a spinal brace for a period between one or two months to insure the stability of the vertebrae. And to follow up our instructions in preserving the spine.