Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Spinal anterolisthesis is a spinal condition that occurs when an upper vertebra slips in front of the one below it. This misalignment condition tends to be more common in the lower back, and it can lead to significant discomfort if this shifted vertebrae ends up compressing or irritating nearby spinal nerves. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why anterolisthesis develops, who is at risk for the condition and how Dr. Sinicropi can help you effectively treat it.

Causes, Symptoms And Risk Factors For Anterolisthesis

Anterolisthesis tends to develop after a significant trauma to the spine, making it more common after a car accident, significant fall or heavy collision during athletic activity. In some instances, genetic factors and family history play a role in the condition’s onset, but it is more common to develop in the wake of trauma to the spine.

Because trauma tends to be the underlying causes of anterolisthesis, certain risk factors that can increase your chances of fracture and shifted spinal vertebrae include:

• Aging
• Vitamin D Deficiency/Bone Loss/Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• The presence of a spinal tumor
• Participation in very physically-demanding sports, like weightlifting or bodybuilding

Symptoms of anterolisthesis will depend on the extent of the slippage and where it is located in your spine. In many instances, patients report localized pain that worsens with time or activity, discomfort that moves throughout your arms and legs, decreased spinal flexibility, posture problems, weakness, general fatigue and inhibited gait.

Diagnosing and Treating Anterolisthesis

If you recently suffered a trauma to your spine, or you’re dealing with a couple of the symptoms listed above, connect with a spine specialist. They will begin by asking about your symptoms, reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. Your doctor may have a pretty good idea that you’re dealing with vertebral slippage after this physical exam, but they may opt to confirm their diagnosis and get a better visual of the slippage with the help of an imaging test. X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are all techniques that may be used based on your situation.

During the imaging test, your doctor will work to establish the extent of the slippage, as this can help to guide treatment. Grade 1 anterolisthesis occurs when the vertebra slips less than 25 percent in front of the vertebra below it. Grade 2 involves between 26 to 50 percent slippage, Grade 3 involves 51 to 75 percent slippage, and Grade 4 involves 76 percent or more slippage.

This slippage grade will help to guide treatment. In many cases, patients with Grade 1 or Grade 2 slippage may be able to help their injury heal with the help of conservative means, while Grade 3 and Grade 4 cases are more significant and may require surgery. If conservative care is your recommended route, you can expect a healthy dose of rest followed by low-impact exercise, pain medications and physical therapy. After a number of weeks, the spine may slowly realign itself.

Surgery is considered a last resort in severe cases or when conservative techniques fail to provide expected results. Oftentimes surgery involves realigning the spine with artificial hardware to help hold the vertebral section in the correct position. The area may also be decompressed before the vertebral segments are fused together to ensure correct alignment.

For more information about anterolisthesis or finding the right treatment for your back injury, pick up the phone and connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.

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