LUMBAR
SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

With aging, degenerative disc disease occurs in all of us over the age of 50. The intervertebral disc separates two adjacent vertebrae bodies, allowing for normal spinal movement. When the spine degenerates, slippage or instability of a spinal segment (disc and two vertebrae bodies) can occur because of the loss of strength of the aging disc and ligaments. As a result, one vertebrae body may shift forward in relation to the lower vertebrae segment termed spondylolisthesis.

This slippage of one vertebra over another can cause constriction of the spinal canal and compression of the spinal nerves that allows leg motor (muscle) and sensory function.

Symptoms can include back pain especially on bending or standing. Neurologic symptoms of leg pain, numbness and weakness, decreased duration of standing, or limited walking distance are common.
Similar, to the treatment of spinal stenosis, the conservative care can include NSAIDS, stretching, exercise (PT), and spinal injections.

Surgical intervention involves taking pressure off the spinal nerves (Laminectomy) and spinal fusion with instrumentation (screws and rods) and placing bone graft (cadaver and bone growth enhancing proteins such as BMP) to stabilize the two vertebrae.

Patient Testimonials

“Dr. Kropf is a very knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. He is just as straight forward and honest as I remember him from 19 years ago. He did an amazing job with my back then, that I flew across the country to discuss the second surgery with him!”

"This man gave me my life back! I wouldn't be working today with him as a spine nurse ! I had a cervical fusion & artificial disc replacement for my lower back ! He's caring & compassionate & so is his staff ! He saved my husbands life also by ordering the right tests & got him to another specialist , I feel so blessed to have him! "

-Anastacia H

"Dr. Kropf is literally a miracle worker. I have suffered with horrible pain for years from herniation at L4/5 & L5/S1. Had a prior micro-surgery from another surgeon which did not work. Dr. Kropf performed a double fusion through the stomach and back. Had my 7 month follow up yesterday and got a clean bill of health. Honestly, after about 5 months I was totally pain free. He completely nailed it!!! I also just referred one of my good friends who also feel in love with Dr.Kropf. I had interviewed 7 surgeons with my wife and we both agreed that there was no one better to do my surgery. This was not a fun thing to go through, but so worth it. Katie, Sakura, and Trisha also were awesome to deal with and super responsive."

-Lee E

"I had a Cervical Spine Surgery February 2017 and Lumbar Spine Surgery November 2017. Both Surgeries were a Success. I feel so much better....No More Pain! Thank You, Dr. Kropf... You're the BEST!"

-Martha B

"First off, I believe Dr. Kropf helped save my life! It's been 6 months since I had my surgery and my spine has fused successfully! Dr. Kropf and his amazing staff treated me like a human being instead of just a patient! The support and encouragement they gave me throughout the few years I have been going is incomparable! Thank you to all those who helped me during my recovery, especially Sakura, and Trisha! You are all Angels on Earth! God Bless you!"

-Stefifi A

LUMBAR SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

LUMBAR
SPONDYLOLISTHESIS