Diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico de espondilolistesis lumbar degenerativa

Abstract

Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is an uncommon entity that affects between 4 to 6% of the older adult population worldwide, it is more prevalent in male adults, although this disorder has been evidenced in young adults who perform hyperextension sports such as gymnastics. This entity has a multifactorial etiology and is characterized by the translation of a vertebral segment compared to the underlying vertebral segment causing chronic low back pain, neurogenic claudication and radiculopathy. Objective: To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic options available for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis by reviewing the scientific evidence. Methodology: A descriptive study of documentary review was carried out in different international databases such as Pubmed, Medscape, Google Academic and Elsevier for the last 5 years. Conclusion: An adequate diagnostic and therapeutic approach to spondylolisthesis in the elderly requires an initial clinical suspicion through a thorough anamnesis and physical evaluation supported by imaging studies. Treatment in the first instance is conservative and the therapeutic alternatives will depend on the severity of the pathology, for symptomatic cases and with increased disability index, surgical treatment is recommended, demonstrating short and long term improvement.