Spondylolisthesis surgery is only recommended if all alternative treatments are found as ineffective, symptoms progress, and/or pain is so extreme that it significantly disrupts quality of life. Generally, non-surgical procedures are sufficient at relieving the symptoms of spondylolisthesis; however, there are times when spondylolisthesis surgery is necessary.
Factors for Spondylolisthesis Surgery
- Age
- Grade (level) of spondylolisthesis
- Overall health
- Neurological deficit (weakness or numbness and/or bowel or bladder dysfunction)
- Spinal curvature or deformity
- Nerve root entrapment or compression radicular pain
- Risk factors for failure of bones to fuse (pseudarthrosis)