Corrado

[Corrado]

Hello, I came across this web site and it is impressive.

I am 55 and have been diagnosed with grade 1-2 Isthmus sponpylolisthesis at L3-L 4.

Rehab has not helped and I am considering surgery. The opinions I have received are more varied than one would expect. 1. XLIF 2. TLIF because it's tried and true and because of the pars (isthmus) fracture and 3. I understand there is an MIS version of TLIF.

I could also just live with it but I am very active, at least until recently, and I feel it is now affecting my quality of life.

Input would certainly be appreciated.

I would also like to see a top notch ortho Dr. (location doesn't matter) and try to make a final decision.

Thanks

[Pbchoclovr]

Hi Corrado,

Welcome. Only you can decide when it's time to have surgery. Both surgeons I saw for consults told me that when the quality of life has significantly changed to the point where you really have no life and have exhausted all conservative treatments, it's time to consider surgery. I saw both an orthopedic surgeon and a neurosurgeon. I chose to go with the neurosurgeon. They both offered the same surgery to me. There are many good surgeons out there. What's important in choosing a surgeon is that you be completely comfortable with this person and their ability. The two I saw were at two different hospitals, both good. I chose to go with the one at Johns Hopkins since it was local, on my insurance plan, and top rated, but most important because I loved the surgeon's bed side manner and how much time he took with me to make sure I was comfortable with the whole process, even calling me for a follow up conversation a week after our consultation. He assured me he would be there throughout the whole process and even down the road if things didn't turn out positively.

I was given several options for my surgery but chose to go with the MIS TLIF. I have three incisions ranging from an inch to 1 1/2 inches on either side of my spine at the L4/L5 level. No stitches were used externally, only super glue. My scars healed extremely well. My surgeon recommended this approach since he felt it would be the least painful as it relates to the long term healing process and would require the least amount of moving my insides around to reach the area of my spine. I was all for reducing pain and keeping my insides as undisturbed as possible. The healing process has been extremely painful, but I felt pre-surgery had been worse. It's all subjective, though, since everyone experiences pain differently.

Best wishes as you research and make your decision.

Linda

[Justin]

Hi Corrado,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm glad you've found us, but I'm sorry that your spondylolisthesis is affecting your quality of life. Linda's post above is very good and covers a lot of the bases.

How many surgical opinions have you received thus far? If you live in a bigger city, it should be no problem to find an orthopedic surgeon that is well versed in spondylolisthesis.