Re: Lateral slippage of vertebra

[Guest guest]

Hi ...

I believe you're describing spondylolisthesis.

Regards,

>

> Has anyone else had lateral slippage of a vertebra? L3 is sliding

> sideways off of L4. This started soon after my fusion 30 yrs ago but

> it was something only the surgeon could see on xray. We couldn't see

> what he was talking about at that time. I recently had my first xrays

> in over 25 yrs. This is something very obvious on xray, like 30-35%

> displaced. (That's probably not the right term, perhaps subluxated?) I

> am asymptomatic at least as far as neurological symptoms. My pain is

> minor & may or may not be from this vertebra.

>

> Just wondering how often this happens.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

By the way, you can see an image of spondylolisthesis here:

http://www.backpain-guide.com/Chapter_Fig_folders/Ch06_Path_Folder/5Spondylolist\

h.html

--

> >

> > Has anyone else had lateral slippage of a vertebra? L3 is sliding

> > sideways off of L4. This started soon after my fusion 30 yrs ago but

> > it was something only the surgeon could see on xray. We couldn't see

> > what he was talking about at that time. I recently had my first xrays

> > in over 25 yrs. This is something very obvious on xray, like 30-35%

> > displaced. (That's probably not the right term, perhaps subluxated?) I

> > am asymptomatic at least as far as neurological symptoms. My pain is

> > minor & may or may not be from this vertebra.

> >

> > Just wondering how often this happens.

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks. It is similar to spondylolisthesis only it is slipping to the

side instead of front to back. In my case it is L3 on L4 which is

directly above my fusion. It is laterolisthesis or lateral lithesis.

Can't find much on it.

Here's a picture:

http://photos./group//vwp?.dir=/Lateral+lithesi\

s & .src=gr & .dnm=close+up+of+slipping+vertebra---1.jpg & .view=t & .done=http%3a//phot\

os./group//lst%3f%26.dir=/Lateral%2blithesis%26\

..src=gr%26.view=t

--- " Racine " <linda@s...> wrote:

>

> Hi ...

>

> I believe you're describing spondylolisthesis.

>

> Regards,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I think that's fairly rare. I actually thought you

were mistaken in your original message when you said it was lateral.

--

> >

> > Hi ...

> >

> > I believe you're describing spondylolisthesis.

> >

> > Regards,

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Guess it is rare because I can find tons on spondylolisthesis & next

to nothing on the lateral version. Totally understand why you would

think I was mistaken. The terms I used may not even be right. At least

I am wondering if they are since I can find so little when I search.

The pain seems to increase a bit weekly but it is still minor &

nothing to complain about. Just wonder if I'm doing myself any harm by

ignoring it. The orthopedist said as long as there are no neuro

symptoms & the pain is minor & not a prob for me then we will just

keep an eye on it. That suits me just fine! LOL

--- " Racine " <linda@s...> wrote:

>

> Thanks . I think that's fairly rare. I actually thought you

> were mistaken in your original message when you said it was lateral.

>

> --

[Guest guest]

Hi gang,

One of the reasons i'm having further surgery is that L4 has slipped

forward over L5.That is from my back towards my abdomen. This was described

to me as spondylolysthesis - maybe there are all sorts of varieties of this

condition and " spondylolysthesis " is just a catch-all term.It HAS given me

terrible pain and sciatica, forcing me to stay in bed a good 12-16 hours a

day. Not much of a life and I'm VERY depressed about it, so any support

(hint, hint) would be welcome. Especially success stories from people who

have had this condition. Take care all.

from Italy

[Guest guest]

,

My understanding is that spondylolithesis is the term for a vertebra

slipping forward or backward like yours is. I know very little about

it but it seems to be a much more painful condition than what I have

which is different in the direction of slipping. Mine has been a very

slow process & it is not slipping back & forth as I move. Just sort of

permanently off to the side.

I am very sorry you are suffering this. It does seem to happen more

often in that area. Apparently it usually happens below a prior

fusion. My fusion involved L4 & L5. Actually born with it fused on one

side.

Are they going to include S1 in your surgery? There does seem to be

some debate on that part.

>

> Hi gang,

>

> One of the reasons i'm having further surgery is that L4 has slipped

> forward over L5.That is from my back towards my abdomen. This was

described

> to me as spondylolysthesis - maybe there are all sorts of varieties

of this

> condition and " spondylolysthesis " is just a catch-all term.It HAS

given me

> terrible pain and sciatica, forcing me to stay in bed a good 12-16

hours a

> day. Not much of a life and I'm VERY depressed about it, so any support

> (hint, hint) would be welcome. Especially success stories from

people who

> have had this condition. Take care all.

> from Italy

>

[Guest guest]

Dear from Italy,

If you are the from Italy that was active on the previous scoliosis

list you aren't new to scoliosis or surgery. I don't know anything about

lateral

slippage and so far it doesn't sound like many have surfaced here who do.

But from what I know about Depression from pain, it is a bigger problem than

thinking positively alone once pain has taken over 24/7 and a vicious cycle.

Such pain destroys hope and it's totally understandable that it takes over your

daily existence. No one here desires further surgery whether it's our first or

eighth. And we avoid it IF possible. Good luck to you . You are in our

thoughts and prayers as you seek a solution. Jolene

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I think the last time you and I communicated was back in 2003...and

I've always appreciated your help. I can not remember what levels of

fusion you now " own " .. but obviously not L4/L5. My sister who does

not have scoliosis was diagnosed with spondylolysthesis at the same

level four years ago. Through Physical Therapy

sessions/strengthening exercising and walking intensely for months,

she has alleviated 90% of her pain. But, she is not fused on any

other vertebrae levels and I think that fact alone will make her

outcome different than yours. And she has never had a diagnosis of

scoliosis.

I also remember that you were physically very active post surgeries

that may have helped you in a very positive way for a great amount of

time. I am fused L1 to S1 and had A/P surgeries five years ago. I

have not read the last few months of messages on our site so am sorry

that I am not familiar with your recent history. I'm not able to sit

here for extended periods of time.

I don't know what help I can be for you: Pain Management? Books to

read while having to lie down? Meditation ideas to help you prepare

for surgery/lighten your outlook? Please let me know as I would be

so glad to reciprocate in kind for all your help in the past.