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Symptoms of spondylolisthesis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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When spondylolisthesis patients complain of pain in the lumbosacral spine, often radiating to one of the lower limbs. There is a violation of posture or scoliotic deformation of the lumbar spine, weakness and hypotrophy in the lower limbs.
When examined, the trunk is shortened. It seems that the body is "pushed" into the pelvis. G.I. Turner called this body "telescopic". The sacrum occupies an upright position and appears prominently under the skin. The lumbar lordosis is strengthened and has an arcuate shape due to the displacement of the spine anteriorly. Because of truncation of the trunk above the crests of the iliac bones, folds are formed and the distance between the wings of the ileum and the lower ribs decreases.
Palpation is determined by the westing over the spinous process of the displaced vertebra - the symptom of the "step", and pressing on the spinous processes of the displaced and underlying vertebra causes pain. With pronounced lumbosacral kyphosis and a sharp shift in the center of gravity of the torso, patients are forced to flex their legs in the knee and hip joints while walking - the "walk of the rope walker". Identify the limitation of mobility in the lumbosacral spine.
Neurological examination reveals pain (radicular) syndrome or paresis caused by compression of the spinal cord roots of the hernia of the intervertebral disc, abnormal bone growths in the region of the defect of the interarticular part of the arch, or excessive tension of the roots. With spondylolisthesis of the IV degree and ptosis, abnormalities in the functions of the pelvic organs are possible.
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