Common Conditions
Alabama Neurosurgeons provides the most advanced treatment for conditions of the brain, spine and nerves. Below you will find more information about several conditions we treat.
SpondylolisthesisNormal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Low Back Pain
Sciatica
Slipped Disc
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebral body (bone) slides forwarded with respect to the vertebral body below it. This can result either in significant and chronic midline low back pain, or at times by trapping the nerves as they exit sideways out canals between the vertebrae (called neuroforamen), pain in the sciatic distribution (down the hip and leg), and on one or both sides.
There are several causes for spondylolisthesis including a bony defect that is first noted about puberty, trauma itself, and ligaments becoming “lose” as we age.
Treatment for a condition such as this may be conservative, or involve fusion with instrumentation.
Various types of fusions are available, including fusion across the transverse processes, which have been done for many years, the newer interbody fusion either by PLIF or TLIF (technical words as to how devices are placed between the vertebral bodies in the disc space), and even anteriorly by way of ALIF (through the abdomen, although this is a limited option for patients with spondylolisthesis).
This condition is not uncommon, and can even be found on routine x-rays. Further diagnostic evaluation frequently is necessary by way of flexion and extension views: to determine instability or stability, and even MRI scans and myelograms / CAT scans to further evaluate prior to treatment.
An associated defect with spondylolisthesis is called a pars defect. This is a separation of bone in the area called pars interarticularis and not uncommonly predisposes spondylolisthesis.
Continuing advances are made in not only materials, but also in regards to the placement of the instrumentation and fusion itself.
At times, this operation can be performed through a “percutaneous” approach with radiological localization as opposed to an “open” operation. You are encouraged to ask your physician about options.
 View the Spondy Animation |
View Minimally invasive fusion for the lumbar spine |
Subaracnoid Hemorrhage
Mechanical Disorders and Disc Herniation
Inflammatory & Infectious Disorders
Tumors of the Spine and Spinal Cord
Neck Trauma
Herniated Disc and Arthritis
Mechanical Disorders
Inflammatory & Infectious Disorders
Back Truama
Osteoporosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome