When one of the individual vertebrae in the spine shifts over the vertebrae beneath it, a condition called spondylolisthesis results. This condition usually becomes evident in early childhood or in late adulthood and may be due to a birth defect, or result from an injury such as stress fractures or a degenerative disease, such as osteoporosis.

Spondylolisthesis can compress or damage the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing nerve pain such as sciatica and symptoms similar to spinal stenosis, including pain and weakness. In some cases, the patient may experience no symptoms at all.

Sutter spine surgeons diagnose the condition with tests that include a physical examination and spinal X-ray. Additional tests may include computed tomography (CT) scan of the spine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine, and electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies.

Most patients find relief through conservative treatment at Sutter that may include strengthening exercises, physical therapy and medication. If conservative treatment is not enough, a team of Sutter specialists may recommend surgical treatment such as arthrodesis or foraminotomy.

For a complete description, see our Healthwise health information section on spondylolisthesis. Additional information on spondylolisthesis is available through the National Institutes of Health section on spondylolisthesis.

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