Management of symptomatic degenerative low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Degenerative low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis is the most common form of spondylolisthesis. The majority of patients are asymptomatic and do not require surgical intervention. Symptomatic patients present with a combination of lower back pain, radiculopathy and/or neurogenic claudication and may warrant surgery if non-operative measures fail. There is widespread controversy regarding the indications for surgery and appropriate treatment strategies for patients with this type of spondylolisthesis. This article provides a comprehensive evidence-based review of the available literature to support the management of degenerative low-grade spondylolisthesis. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3:620-631. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.180020.