What Is Lumbar Dislocation?

It is the sliding of one of the lumbar vertebrae on a lower vertebra. The most frequent slip is forward. This is called spondylolisthesis in medicine. Rarely, there may also be a backward shift, which is called retrolisthesis.In adults, spondylolisthesis (waist shift) is seen at a frequency of 4-8%.

This problem is thought to be a stress fracture caused by repetitive loads on the bone ring. Degenerative changes caused by wear or tear can also lead to this disease. Like graying hair, the spine ages and wears over the years. These changes affect structures that support healthy alignment of the spine.

Degeneration in the disc and facet joints causes the spine to be more mobile than normal. Relaxation and increased movement in this structure leads to additional loads. Disc weakens and facet joints tighten. As a result, the support of the facet joints becomes ineffective and the upper vertebra slides forward.

Spondylolisthesis caused by degeneration usually affects people over the age of 40. In general, it causes the L4 to slide over the L5.

What Are The Symptoms of Lumbar Dislocation?

The most common clinical complaint is low back pain. This pain often spreads to the legs. Spasm and pain in the muscles in the back of the thigh is an important symptom, and the appearance of these symptoms, especially in young and children who play sports, should make you thought the spondylolisthesis. In advanced cases, pain and numbness spreading to the feet due to nerve compression and reflex and movement losses can be seen.

What Are The Treatment Methods For Lumbar Dislocation?

Non-surgical methods include short-term bed rest, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain (by mouth or injection), painkillers to control pain, physical therapy methods and exercise to improve flexibility and strength. The presence of a vertebral fracture (spondylolysis) or intervertebral shift (spondylolisthesis) alone in an adult person does not create a dangerous situation.

Therefore, it should be aimed to control pain with treatment and to enable the patient to perform activities of daily living. Although non-surgical treatment methods do not correct the deformity, they can provide long-term pain control without the need for interventional methods. Surgical treatment can be applied to relieve the nerve exposed to pressure as a result of slipping.

Stabilization or fusion with screw and rod system can be recommended to remove the pressure on the nerve near the slip. A complete rehabilitation program is recommended after the operation in order to return to daily life activities.