Difference Between Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
Spinal injuries are a serious health concern that can substantially impair a person’s quality of life. The spine serves a multitude of vital functions, including safeguarding the spinal cord and nerves, relaying neural signals to the brain, and enabling a wide range of bodily movements.
The human spine is a complex structure comprising a series of vertebrae, articulated by intervertebral joints. These joints are known as facet joints. They help minimize the friction between the joints. Spinal injuries can necessitate surgical intervention, demanding high-quality spinal implants. To ensure optimal patient outcomes, it’s crucial to source these implants from reliable Orthopedic Supply Companies that adhere to international quality standards.
In this post, we will discuss two conditions that occur when damage to facet joints is there due to one or another reason. The focus of this article will be on the spinal conditions of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.
What Are Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolysis is a condition characterized by damage in pars interarticularis, a part of the spine that joins the facet joints in the back portion of the spine. Based on the severity of the condition, spondylolysis can be seen in one or both sides, and that is termed unilateral or bilateral.
Now, when spondylolysis causes slipping of the vertebral bone forward, the condition is known as spondylolisthesis. This phenomenon arises when the compromised pars interarticularis permits anterior translation of the vertebral body. The slippage of the bone can be measured on a scale of grade 1 (25%) to grade 4 (100%). Though spondylolysis is known to occur before spondylolisthesis yet, this is not always the case.
What Are the Symptoms of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis?
Mild to moderate pain is often associated with non-serious and mild spondylolysis conditions. Lower back pain is most noticed in people suffering from this condition along with stiffness and muscle spasms. Sciatica or numbness may also be seen but not commonly. In certain cases, extreme leg pain is experienced, and people suffering from such a condition could even walk properly.
What Are the Causes?
The common causes of spondylolysis are reported to be genetic issues in pars interarticularis that make them weak, stress or traumatic fractures, and degenerative arthritis. While on the other hand, spondylolisthesis occurs because of spondylolysis.
Sometimes, these conditions are congenital.
How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?
Spondylolysis is not easy to diagnose as a detailed medical history check is required to understand that the symptoms are being caused by this condition. Sometimes, it is diagnosed with an x-ray examination that is performed to diagnose any other issue.
It is advised to consult the doctor if you feel pain in the spine for the first time because early diagnosis of the condition might help prevent the occurrence of spondylolisthesis. If x-rays don’t provide satisfactory results, MRI, CT scan, or single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) may be ordered.
How Are they Treated?
The diagnosis will decide the feasible treatment procedure. For mild cases, the surgeon will suggest rest from any athletic and other heavy activities and the application of a brace. Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics are prescribed to curb pain & inflammation. Physical therapy is also helpful in improving the motion and strengthening muscles. Depending upon the condition of the patient, the healthcare provider might also use steroid injections, facet injections, and epidural steroid injections.
When these methods fail, surgery may be required, and it is also recommended when the above-mentioned treatment methods are not feasible. Surgery involves laminectomy and the use of bone graft and pedicle screws along with other orthopedic devices.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is an experienced and Indian-FDA-approved manufacturer of a wide range of orthopedic devices. Siora enjoys an excellent position in the global orthopedic device market and is also looking to become one of the trustworthy Orthopaedic Companies in Ukraine to strengthen & expand its market reach.
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