Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Questions & Answers

Updated: Aug 18, 2021
  • Author: Beth B Froese, MD; Chief Editor: Stephen Kishner, MD, MHA  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What are the signs and symptoms of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Which imaging modalities are performed during the workup for lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Which therapeutic exercises are used in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

When is surgery indicated in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the pathophysiology of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

How is lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis classified?

How is lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis graded?

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What are the racial predilections of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Which age groups have the highest prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the US prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the sexual predilection of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Which physical exam findings are characteristic of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What causes lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

DDX

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What are the differential diagnoses for Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the workup of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the role of imaging studies in the workup of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the role of electromyography in the workup of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Which histologic findings are characteristic of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Treatment

What is the role of physical therapy in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What are the possible complications of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What are considerations in treatment selection for lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the role of bracing in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the role of injections in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the role of NSAIDs in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

How is degenerative spondylolisthesis treated?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Which medications in the drug class Analgesics are used in the treatment of Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis?

Which medications in the drug class Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are used in the treatment of Lumbar Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis?

Follow-up

What is included in the long-term monitoring of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

Which medications are used in the treatment of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

How is lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis prevented?

What are the possible complications of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is the prognosis for lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?

What is included in patient education about lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis?