What Is Lumbar Slippage (Spondylolisthesis)?

Question: What causes lumbar slippage (spondylolisthesis)?

Answer:

  • Congenital structural weakness
  • Fractures
  • Excess weight
  • Heavy physical work

Question: Is MRI alone sufficient for diagnosis?

Answer: No.

How is lumbar slippage diagnosed?

  1. Standing dynamic X-rays
  2. Computed tomography (CT)
  3. MRI (supportive)

Treatment options:

  • Mild cases: exercise + weight control
  • Advanced instability: surgical stabilization

Rate of surgical need:

  • Approximately 20–30% of symptomatic patients