Our Summary

This study looks at two conditions that often affect adolescent athletes: spondylolysis (a stress fracture in the spine) and spondylolisthesis (when a vertebra slips out of place). The researchers wanted to know how often these conditions happen and if having spondylolysis increases the risk of developing spondylolisthesis.

They looked at CT scans of 580 people who were getting scanned for reasons other than back pain. They found that about 6.4% of these patients had spondylolysis. More than half of these patients also had spondylolisthesis, which was significantly more than the patients without spondylolysis. When they just looked at patients over 60 with spondylolysis, 90% also had spondylolisthesis.

Interestingly, none of the patients with spondylolisthesis had needed surgery, which suggests that the condition was not causing them severe problems.

In simple terms, the study found that having spondylolysis makes it much more likely that someone will also develop spondylolisthesis, and this is especially true for older patients. However, it seems like this doesn’t always cause serious issues requiring surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the relationship between spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis according to the study?
  2. What percentage of patients with spondylolysis were also found to have spondylolisthesis in the study?
  3. Did any of the patients with spondylolisthesis require surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lumbar fusion is to follow a proper rehabilitation plan after surgery. This may include physical therapy, exercises to strengthen the core muscles, and avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the back. By following the rehabilitation plan, the patient can improve their chances of a successful recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lumbar fusion include those with severe back pain, instability in the spine, spinal deformities, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Additionally, patients who have not had success with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections may also be candidates for lumbar fusion surgery. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if lumbar fusion is the appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before lumbar fusion:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms like lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the cause of their symptoms.
  3. If conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections do not provide relief, the patient may be recommended for lumbar fusion surgery.

After lumbar fusion:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative appointments and tests to prepare for surgery.
  2. Lumbar fusion surgery is performed, where the surgeon fuses two or more vertebrae together using bone grafts or implants to stabilize the spine.
  3. Patient goes through a recovery period in the hospital and then at home, following post-operative care instructions.
  4. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be recommended to help the patient regain strength and mobility.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and monitors their progress in follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is lumbar fusion and how does it work?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lumbar fusion surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery process after lumbar fusion surgery?

  4. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of lumbar fusion surgery?

  5. Are there alternative treatments to lumbar fusion surgery that I should consider?

  6. How many lumbar fusion surgeries have you performed and what is your success rate?

  7. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after lumbar fusion surgery?

  8. How soon can I return to normal activities, such as work or exercise, after lumbar fusion surgery?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after lumbar fusion surgery to prevent future back problems?

  10. What is the long-term prognosis for patients who undergo lumbar fusion surgery?

Reference

Authors: Aoki Y, Takahashi H, Nakajima A, Kubota G, Watanabe A, Nakajima T, Eguchi Y, Orita S, Fukuchi H, Yanagawa N, Nakagawa K, Ohtori S. Journal: Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 21;10(1):6739. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-63784-0. PMID: 32317683