Assessing severity of spondylolisthesis

Can you ask on the patient portal, or look up records of imaging or MD notes on there?

WelcometoMayoConnect, @marlenec we loveto help peoplesolve the puzzlesofmedical jargon, but this is probably a time you will need to contact the doc. The grades are based on percent of slippage. That would vary based on the size of your vertebrae.

Here is an explanation of how it is calculated and what the grades mean: https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/spondylolisthesis/spondylolisthesis-back-condition-treatment

Can you see the doctor notes on line? If not, you might want to call and leave a message.
Sue

That makes sense (the part about the size of the vertebrae) since the article you cited notes that the grading is based upon the percentage of the vertebra that has slipped over the other. Thanks! Will ask the doc.

I am 72 and have grade 1 “approaching” grade 2 Spondylolisthesis at L4/L5 and L5/S1. Also arthritis and degenerative disc disease. I’ve had three epidurals which seemed to help pain in the side of one leg and am getting PT (basic lumbar program.) I do not get any numbness or tingling - just an achy lower back on and off but I DO have persistent and stabbing pain in the back of my knee; worsens with walking and especially bending it to climb up the steps to the house after a walk, for example. I’ve seen my MRIs and I know where my nerves are compressed. I assume the spine issues are the root of the knee pain although that knee has had a meniscus repair over 10 years ago and has been wonky for years. O know it’s not a Baker’s cyst. This is really my major and almost only symptom. Does anyone else experience this?

Hello @marlenec. I noticed you had a post on spondylolisthesis already, so you will notice I have moved your post into that discussion, which you can find here:
- Assessing severity of spondylolisthesis: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/assessing-severity-of-spondylolisthesis/

Have you had an EMG that helped you identify the nerves issues as a result of the spine issues?

I have not had an EMG. I recently saw a new spine surgeon and he said the spondylolisthesis is grade 1 approaching grade 2. My understanding of that test is that it is used to diagnose nerve and muscle disorders and I’m not sure that my MRIs or my symptoms would suggest that a doctor order it.

I am struggling to find a surgeon who gives me an objective point of view. I don't think I have severe spondylosthesis, but they are saying I need fusion anyway. I am going to paste a part of my MRI and see what people think. L3-L4: Better demonstrated, L3-4 decompressive laminectomy. Clinical correlation suggested.
Redemonstrated, uncovering of the disc by spondylolisthesis.
Diffuse disc bulge with superimposed moderately large, broad-based central rightward disc herniation, redemonstrated, severe right and mild/moderate left-sided foraminal narrowing with impingement exiting right greater than left L3 nerve root sheaths.
Slightly improved, right lateral recess spinal stenosis.
Redemonstrated, severe left and moderate right-sided facet arthropathy. No spinal stenosis as there is decompression via laminectomy.

@annie1 - just wanted you to know I moved your post about severe spondylosthesis here to this thread where others have talked about a similar topic:

- Assessing severity of spondylolisthesis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/assessing-severity-of-spondylolisthesis/

Hoping members here such as @marlenec @sueinmn will have some thoughts for you on your struggle to find a surgeon with an objective point of view and whether a fusion might be an good next step for you or not.

Have you already visited with more than one surgeon, then, annie1? If so, are their opinions exactly the same, or different?

@lisalucier

Thanks. I have L4/5 stenosis and spondylolisthesis. I anticipate that I will need more intervention than the occasional steroid injection and pt for core strength. I am in NC. Would love to hear from others about the best care and interventions for these conditions. Thanks in advance everyone and good luck.

@lisalucier I can understand your having questions. I am trying to find what I hope to be able to completely independent workup re this awful pain. Having a tough time finding that, or maybe the communication is what I am missing. So continuing to look as I do have choices. It is disheartening I must admit.