Spondylolisthesis
Situation
J.H. is a 59-year-old government agent who had a long history of back pain that began with a work-related injury in the 1970s. He obtained X-rays years ago that showed a slippage of the fifth lumbar vertebra on the sacrum (Figures 30 A&B). The medical term for this condition is an L5-S1 Grade I Spondolytic Spondylolisthesis.
A. X-ray
B. MRI
Figure 30. X-ray (A) and MRI (B) showing Grade I Spondolytic
Spondylolisthesis, or slippage of one vertebra past.
In 1998, J.H. was referred to Dr. McCormack by his local neurosurgeon. Dr. McCormack explained that new technology had developed that now enable the surgeon to actually correct the deformity. Furthermore, the operation could be performed through the abdomen with small incisions and scopes similar to those used for knee arthroscopy. Surgery went without difficulty, and X-rays showed almost complete correction of the slippage (Figure 31).
Treatment
In 1998, J.H. was referred to Dr. McCormack by his local neurosurgeon. Dr. McCormack explained that new technology had developed that now enable the surgeon to actually correct the deformity. Furthermore, the operation could be performed through the abdomen with small incisions and scopes similar to those used for knee arthroscopy. Surgery went without difficulty, and X-rays showed almost complete correction of the slippage (Figure 31).
Figure 31. Post-operative X-ray shows reduction of the L5-S1 slippage by
cages filled with the patient's own bone.
The patient had excellent relief of his back pain after surgery.
Patient Comment
"Dr. McCormack explained an operation that finally made sense to me. I did my homework in finding information about my problem. I'm glad I did...my back feels great!"
