Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

The symptoms that can be caused by spondylolysis-spondylolisthesis are varied, not very characteristic and depend on the severity of the disease. Most patients with adolescent spondylolysis spondylolisthesis have no symptoms. The diagnosis is often a random radiological finding. Degenerative spondylolisthesis can also be silent, but more often cause problems due to the general wear and tear on the spine.Symptoms of spondylolysis-spondylolisthesis may include Neurological deficits (paralysis, sensory disturbances, bladder – rectal disturbances) are reserved for very advanced cases of spondylolisthesis and are rather the exception, because the nervous structures (spinal cord, nerve roots) can adapt to the altered space conditions to a certain degree, in the usually slow process of spondylolisthesis.

Back pain (lumbago) at rest, during movement, under stress
Pain in the back with radiation into the legs (lumboischialgia), either corresponding to the spread area (dermatome) of a nerve root or non-specific (in the case of degenerative additional diseases or advanced spondylolisthesis).
Sensory disturbances (reduced sensation = hypaesthesia), paresthesias of the legs (in advanced spondylolisthesis).
Feeling of weakness in the legs
Restriction of movement of the lumbar spine
Hip lumbar extension stiffener
Muscle Tensions
Bladder/rectum disorders (in advanced spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis).

Frequency

The rate of spondylolysis in adults is 6%, in children up to the age of 6 years 4.4%. Approximately 80% of spondylolyses involve a disease of the 5th lumbar vertebral body. In this case, the 5th lumbar vertebral body slips forward.

In approx. 20%, there is only a unilateral spondylolysis defect in the vertebral arch. Boys are affected by spondylolysis 2-3 times more frequently.

However, severe spondylolisthesis occurs 4 times more frequently in girls. In the majority of cases, slipped vertebrae occur as a result of spondylolysis between the ages of 12 and 17. After completion of growth, progression of spondylolysis is no longer expected.

Degenerative spondylodesis affects the L4/5 segment in approx. 80% of cases, the L5/S1 segment in approx. 15%, and rarely the upper and middle lumbar spine sections. 10% of women over 60 years of age have degenerative spondylolisthesis. Spondylolisthesis over 30% of the vertebral body longitudinal diameter is rare.