Spondylolisthesis - Diagnosis
Back pain and radiating leg pain are common symptoms.
|
X-rays will often be done and are best performed in the standing position. This is to assess the upright alignment and to help ‘grade’ the degree of slippage, and to determine what type of spondylolisthesis is present.
In young people radiation exposure with x-rays should be avoided when possible. The current investigation of choice is an MRI scan. This is usually done with the patient lying down, so sometimes the slippage is less obvious.
A CT scan is sometimes requested by a specialist.
The Patient Line website offers information for patients with spinal conditions:
Sciatica, back pain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, scoliosis and many other spine conditions explained in a clear reliable, and trustworthy way. Not for profit EUROSPINE experts are here to help patients and their families understand what may be worrying them.
EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.
