Learn about Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below due to age-related wear and tear, most commonly occurring at the L4-L5 level. This instability can lead to significant spinal stenosis, compressing nerves and causing chronic back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, and weakness. Spine surgery for this condition aims to decompress the neural elements and stabilize the affected spinal segment. The most common surgical procedure is a decompressive laminectomy combined with a spinal fusion (arthrodesis), often using instrumentation like pedicle screws and rods. This approach relieves pressure on the nerves and prevents further slippage, restoring spinal alignment and function. Surgery is typically considered when non-operative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and injections have failed to provide adequate relief.

Key Highlights

    Provides significant relief from chronic back and leg pain (sciatica).Stabilizes the spine to prevent further slippage and nerve damage.Addresses spinal stenosis by decompressing pinched nerves.Can improve mobility, posture, and overall quality of life.Offers a definitive surgical solution when conservative treatments fail.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Persistent and severe back or leg pain that limits daily activities.
  • Progressive neurological deficits, such as leg weakness, numbness, or tingling.
  • Neurogenic claudication (pain when walking that is relieved by sitting).
  • Failure of extensive non-surgical management (e.g., 3-6 months of physical therapy, medications, epidural injections).
  • Documented progression of the vertebral slippage on imaging studies.
  • Bladder or bowel dysfunction (cauda equina syndrome) is a rare but urgent indication.

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray.
  • Undergo advanced spinal imaging (MRI and/or CT scan) for precise surgical planning.
  • Discuss all current medications with your surgeon; you may need to stop blood thinners.
  • Quit smoking well in advance, as it significantly impairs bone healing and fusion.
  • Optimize management of chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
  • Pre-operative physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen core muscles.
  • Arrange for post-operative support at home for the initial recovery period.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and anesthesia complications.
  • Nerve injury, which could lead to persistent pain, weakness, numbness, or, rarely, paralysis.
  • Failure of the bone fusion to heal (pseudarthrosis), potentially requiring revision surgery.
  • Hardware-related issues like screw loosening, breakage, or discomfort.
  • Adjacent segment disease, where spinal levels above or below the fusion degenerate faster.
  • Persistent pain (failed back surgery syndrome).
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak from a dural tear during surgery.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay typically involves 2-4 days for pain management and initial mobilization.
  • You will be encouraged to walk with assistance the day after surgery.
  • A back brace may be prescribed for several weeks to support healing.
  • Strict lifting restrictions (often nothing over 5-10 lbs) for 6-12 weeks.
  • Gradual return to activities; driving is usually restricted for 4-6 weeks.
  • Formal physical therapy begins a few weeks post-op to restore strength and flexibility.
  • Follow-up appointments and X-rays are scheduled to monitor fusion progress.
  • Avoid bending, twisting, and high-impact activities for several months.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for basic activities, up to 12 months for full fusion and strenuous activity

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering degenerative spondylolisthesis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for degenerative spondylolisthesis compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 350 Thousand – 800 Thousand 2-4 days ~ 3-6 months for basic activities, up to 12 months for full fusion and strenuous activity Know More
Turkey TRY 1.23 Million – 2.8 Million 2-4 days ~ 3-6 months for basic activities, up to 12 months for full fusion and strenuous activity Know More

Top hospitals for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing degenerative spondylolisthesis.

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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Ayaan Nair, a 58-year-old accountant, had...

Ayaan Nair, a 58-year-old accountant, had always been active, enjoying weekend hikes. Over the past three years, he developed persistent, aching low back pain that radiated down his left leg, causing a pins-and-needles sensation. Long hours at his desk became agonizing, and his beloved hikes were reduced to short, painful walks. An MRI confirmed Degenerative Spondylolisthesis at L4-L5, with significant nerve compression. His spine surgeon, Dr. Lee, explained that conservative treatments like physical therapy and epidural injections had provided only temporary relief. She recommended a Lumbar Decompression and Fusion to stabilize the slipped vertebra and relieve pressure on the nerve. Ayaan was terrified of surgery but desperate to reclaim his life. The procedure went smoothly. The initial recovery was challenging, with pain and strict movement restrictions, but he diligently followed his physical therapy plan. Within six months, the radiating leg pain was completely gone, and his back pain was minimal and manageable. He felt a profound sense of relief and gratitude. The constant fear of pain was lifted, allowing him to return to work comfortably and, cautiously, to nature trails with his family. His emotional journey shifted from frustration and fear to hope and a renewed appreciation for his body's resilience.

Spine surgeons for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform degenerative spondylolisthesis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Charanjit Singh Dhillon
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priyamvadha K
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharat Sarkar
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vidyadhara S
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit Muttha
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1100
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. SK Rajan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Haritwal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Soni
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balamurugan Thirugnanam
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kasinath Swain
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anutosh Singh
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akash Mishra
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Saikat Sarkar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhadip Mandal
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hamza Shaikh
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rahul Chaudhari
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated