spondilolisthesis of T1

Posted by Antonio M. Cruz on May 09, 1999 at 09:39:57
Dear Forum,
A friend asked me to solicit help regarding her condition. This is a 50 year old caucasian female who suffered two car accidents. The first one three years ago, produced cervical damage at the level of C4-C5-C6. She recovered from this one with the end result of vertebral fusion. Just six months ago she suffered another car accident when a vehicle rear ended her car. As a result of a whiplash injury she has been diagnosed with spondilolisthesis at the level of the first thoracic vertebra which has produced a severe radiculopathy. Actually she has hyperaesthesia of parts of her left arm, inability to control fine movements and chronic severe back and neck pain. As a result of the severe pain and inability to stop it, she has been diagnosed with severe mental depression and her attitude towards life is desperate. She asked me to look for help in internet regarding the possibility of a surgical procedure to decompress the nerve roots at that anatomical level or any other kind of therapy. Any information regarding who and where they perform that kind of work would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

Posted by CCF MD mdf on May 09, 1999 at 13:08:48
Any surgical procedure would have to be considered in the context of a full neurologic interview, examination, and appropriate tests (usually MRI of the affected part of the spine).
The presence of spondylolisthesis, bulging discs, or other signs of degenerative spine disease is not by itself sufficient to warrant surgery. On the other hand, if there is weakness in muscles served by the affected nerve roots, and if that weakness progresses with time, then surgical decompression may be considered.
If you have not received satisfactory (and comprehendable) advice from your doctor, then a second opinion is warranted. Surgical procedures can be very helpful but you don't want to do one unless you absolutely have to. Here, good advice that you can understand it is worth its weight in gold.
We offer the services of a Spine Center here at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, which is a group of surgical and nonsurgical specialists. They are conservative and I think you would be in good hands. If you wish, call 800 223-2273 and ask for appointments at 4-5559.
I hope this helps. CCF MD mdf.