About Spondylolisthesis
Key Highlights
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Alleviates chronic back and leg pain caused by nerve compression.Stabilizes the spine to prevent further vertebral slippage.Can restore mobility and improve overall quality of life.Offers a definitive solution when non-surgical treatments fail.Utilizes advanced techniques like minimally invasive surgery for faster recovery in select cases.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, persistent back or leg pain that does not improve with conservative care (e.g., physical therapy, medications, injections).
- Progressive neurological deficits, such as leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel/bladder control (cauda equina syndrome).
- Significant vertebral slippage (usually Grade III or higher) visible on imaging studies like X-rays or MRI.
- Progressive slippage observed over time in a growing child or adolescent.
- Development of spinal instability or deformity that affects posture and walking.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and imaging scans (X-ray, MRI, CT).
- Discuss all current medications with your surgeon; you may need to stop blood thinners or NSAIDs several days before surgery.
- Stop smoking well in advance, as it can significantly hinder bone healing and fusion.
- Arrange for help at home during the initial recovery period for tasks like cooking and transportation.
- Follow pre-operative fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve injury, which could lead to persistent pain, weakness, numbness, or, rarely, paralysis.
- Failure of the spinal fusion to heal properly (pseudarthrosis).
- Hardware complications, such as breakage, loosening, or irritation from screws/rods.
- Adjacent segment disease, where vertebrae above or below the fusion site experience increased stress and degeneration.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves 2-4 days for pain management, monitoring, and initial mobilization with physical therapy.
- You will be given specific instructions on wound care and signs of infection to watch for.
- Wearing a back brace may be recommended for several weeks to support the spine as it heals.
- A structured physical therapy program is crucial, starting gently and gradually increasing in intensity over 3-6 months.
- Avoid heavy lifting, twisting, and bending for the first 6-12 weeks; full recovery and fusion can take 6 months to a year.
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Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
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Expected recovery time: 6 weeks to 6 months for initial recovery; 6-12 months for full fusion
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering spondylolisthesis in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for spondylolisthesis in Turkey include Liv Hospital Bahçeşehir, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Liv Hospital Ankara, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform spondylolisthesis. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for spondylolisthesis compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 2,719 – USD 7,614 | 2-4 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months for initial recovery; 6-12 months for full fusion | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,131 – USD 56,368 | 2-4 days | ~ 6 weeks to 6 months for initial recovery; 6-12 months for full fusion | Know More |
Top hospitals for Spondylolisthesis in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing spondylolisthesis.
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc...
Follow-up visit for my cervical disc replacement. Dr. Dwivedi remembered my daughter's board exam results and asked about them first. His staff coordinated with insurance for my scans - clinical excellence matched by human touch.