EN
1. What is spondylolisthesis? |
2. Treatment methods |
3. Indications for surgery |
4. Surgery for vertebral dislocation |
5. Advantages of spondylodesis abroad |
6. Leading clinics |
Spondylolisthesis is the misalignment of one or more vertebrae in relation to the axis of the spinal column. In 90% of cases, the condition is acquired. Most often it develops due to trauma and age-related abnormalities of the spine. Treatment of vertebral misalignment involves conservative methods and surgical intervention. Read in our article about indications for surgery, and how and where it can be carried out.
What is vertebral dislocation?
Spondylolisthesis is characterized by the misalignment of one vertebra in relation to the others. If the vertebra is “out” to the front, this displacement is called anterolisthesis. Retrolisthesis is when the vertebra is bent backwards, and lateral spondylolisthesis is when it protrudes sideways.
The disease can occur at any age. It equally affects men and women, as well as children. Most often, spondylolisthesis occurs in the most mobile parts of the spine – the cervical and lumbar spine.
Cervical spinal misalignment accounts for about 70% of all cases. This is a serious disorder that requires careful monitoring by a doctor and comprehensive treatment. The condition is especially dangerous for children. In a child, a cervical vertebrae dislocation can lead to nervous system disorders, mental retardation, and disability.
A timely and accurate diagnosis of vertebral misalignment offers the best chance of a full recovery. To be examined abroad and receive comprehensive treatment, contact the medical coordinators of the international medical platform Mediglobus.
Stages of spondylolisthesis
Stage 1 – vertebra displacement less than 25%
Stage 2 – a vertebral shift of 25-50%
Stage 3 – 50-75% displacement
Stage 4 – more than 75% displacement
Stage 5 – complete loss of vertebrae, which can cause spinal cord rupture and paralysis
Symptoms of vertebral dislocation
Signs of spondylolisthesis may not appear immediately. They depend on which part of the spine the dislocation occurred in. In mild degrees of the disease, the patient does not experience any symptoms or feels slight discomfort in the damaged area. More serious disorders are manifested by the following symptoms:
headaches,
nausea and vomiting,
gastrointestinal abnormalities,
muscle weakness,
sleep disorders,
numbness of limbs,
pain behind the chest,
chronic fatigue,
memory impairment,
limping.
Methods for treating vertebral dislocation
The choice of options for dealing with spondylolisthesis depends on the degree of damage to the vertebrae, the age and condition of the patient. Mild forms of the disease are treated with medications – painkillers and/or steroids to reduce inflammation. Patients are also prescribed the following conservative methods:
physical therapy,
therapeutic gymnastics,
resonance wave therapy,
chiropractic care,
exercises on simulators that stretch the spine and eliminate the clamping of nerve endings,
massage,
surgical intervention.
When is surgery for spondylolisthesis indicated?
A vertebra dislocation of more than 75% can cause damage to the spinal cord and compression of nerve roots. This condition requires immediate surgical intervention. Surgery can help put the dislocated vertebra back in place and restore the function of the musculoskeletal system. Surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis is also indicated in the absence or poor effectiveness of conservative therapy methods. If a patient experiences increasing pain and marked limitation of motor activity, it is worth resorting to surgery.
To arrange for spondylolisthesis surgery at one of the leading hospitals abroad, click on the button below and fill out the application form. We will find the best doctor for you and send you for treatment as soon as possible.
Surgical treatment of spinal misalignment
The main goal of spondylolisthesis surgery is to return the displaced vertebra to its normal position and fix it with a stabilizing system. This procedure is called spondylolisthesis. It is done under general anaesthesia and lasts about 2 hours.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses an endoscopic technique to make a small incision in the spinal area. He then gently pushes back the muscles and ligaments. The displaced vertebrae are fused with a bone graft or synthetic substance. The bone graft is taken from the patient’s pelvis or obtained from a donor base. The fused vertebrae are fixed with metal plates, screws, or rods.
When the lumbar vertebrae are “protruding” forward, the affected area is accessed through the anterolateral surface of the abdomen above the pelvic bone. This shifts the internal organs to the side, allowing the doctor to see the front of the vertebral column.
After surgery, the patient stays in the hospital for 3 to 4 days. A special corset is made for them, which helps stabilize the spine and relieve its tension. This corset is worn by the patient for 5-6 weeks after the intervention.
Advantages of vertebral dislocation surgery abroad
Specialists with more than 30 years of experience in the surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis. These doctors use minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques.
All manipulations in cases of vertebral dislocation are performed minimally invasively under the control of neuronavigation or da Vinci robot. These systems minimize the risks of neurological complications and reduce the recovery period to a few weeks.
Installation of implants from global manufacturers AOSpine or Apex. These brands of spinal stabilization devices are made of quality materials. They are highly biocompatible and serve the patient for many years.
The leading foreign clinics offer postoperative rehabilitation programs. They allow patients to return to normal life as quickly as possible and regain all motor functions.
What doctor treats vertebral misalignment?
A spine surgeon diagnoses and treats spinal disorders, particularly spondylolisthesis. The leading specialists in this field abroad are Professor Tomasz Trch (Motol Clinic) and Professor Erden Ertürer (Liv Hospital). They have many years of experience in the surgical treatment of spinal misalignment and actively practice minimally invasive interventions.
Can vertebral dislocation be cured?
Without treatment, spondylolisthesis progresses and creates more and more restrictions on an active life. If the pathology is detected in time and treated correctly, it is possible to stop the development of the disease. The prognosis of surgery is favourable. A significant improvement is observed in 97% of patients. This can be achieved through complete removal of the anatomical structure of the spine and restoration of its functions.
Where do they treat spinal misalignment abroad?
Resume
Spondylolisthesis is a dislocation of the vertebrae. The disease develops due to trauma, a congenital defect, or acquired age-related changes in the spine. Most often the dislocation is diagnosed in the cervical or lumbar spine.
Conservative treatment is performed using medications, physical therapy, massage, physical therapy and exercise if a vertebral dislocation affects up to 50% of the spinal column. With severe forms of the disease, surgical treatment is indicated. Surgery is successful in 97% of patients.
The gold standard of surgical intervention for spinal dislocation is spondylodesis. This surgery involves fusing multiple vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
For surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis, patients go to medical centres such as Liv, Motol, Teknon, SoonChunHyang, Sheba, and Uniklinik Cologne.
To make an appointment for spinal dislocation surgery, leave your contact information. Our coordinators will call you back as soon as possible and help with all organizational issues.
Sources:
- 1. National Library of Medicine: Spondylolisthesis
- 2. Spine Connection International Spine Specialists
- 3. Physiopedia
- 4. National Healthcare Services
- 5. American Academy of Orthoaepedic Surgeons
- 6. British Journal of Neurosurgery: Review and analysis of modern lumbar spinal fusion techniques
- 7. Annals of Palliative Medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of anterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of orthopedic spondylolisthesis
