Spondylolisthesis Surgery in Milwaukee, WI
At Branko Prpa M.D. Spine Surgery, we understand how debilitating spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis can affect your daily life. If you’re dealing with this condition, it’s important to explore your treatment options with a trusted expert who can guide you through recovery and help you get back to pain-free living. Our services involve advanced diagnostic tools and treatments for spondylolisthesis, including both minimally invasive and traditional surgical options.
With our skilled team and commitment to personalized care, we can help you regain your mobility and quality of life.
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when one of the vertebrae in your spine slips out of place and over the vertebra below it. This misalignment can cause pressure on the nerves, leading to pain and potential nerve damage. It’s a condition that often arises in the lower back and can be caused by several factors, including congenital conditions, injuries or age-related wear and tear.
There are different types of spondylolisthesis, each with its own underlying causes:
- Congenital Spondylolisthesis: This type is present from birth, often due to a malformation in the spine. Although it’s rare, congenital spondylolisthesis can lead to instability in the spine.
- Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: This form of the condition typically develops due to a stress fracture or injury to the spine. It often affects young adults who participate in high-impact sports.
- Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: As the spine ages, the discs and joints may wear down, causing the vertebrae to slip. This is the most common type of spondylolisthesis, particularly in older adults.
- Dysplastic Spondylolisthesis: A subtype of congenital spondylolisthesis, dysplastic spondylolisthesis occurs due to a defect in the bones of the spine. This defect may cause abnormal vertebral alignment and lead to instability, particularly in the lower back.
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
The symptoms of spondylolisthesis can vary depending on the severity and location of the slippage. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Lower back pain
- Stiffness in the back or legs
- Muscle tightness
- Pain that worsens with activity or standing for long periods
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
In some cases, spondylolisthesis can be mistaken for other spinal conditions – such as spinal stenosis – where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the nerves. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, particularly in the lower back, but they differ in their causes and treatments.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to spinal stenosis vs. spondylolisthesis, we can help guide you through the diagnostic process, providing you with a clear understanding of your condition.
Spondylolisthesis Treatment Options
When it comes to treating spondylolisthesis, there are several options available. The approach we take depends on the severity of your condition, your symptoms and your overall health. We provide both minimally invasive procedure options and traditional surgeries, depending on what works best for you. Our goal is to offer the most effective treatment with the least disruption to your life, allowing you to recover and return to your normal activities as soon as possible.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
For many patients, minimally invasive surgery is an excellent option. This type of spinal surgery uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to repair the spine with less trauma to the surrounding tissues. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Shorter recovery time
- Less scarring
- Reduced risk of infection
- Smaller incisions for quicker healing
This option is ideal for patients who are looking for a quicker return to their daily activities and those who meet the criteria for this type of procedure. It is particularly advantageous for people who need to get back to work or their routine quickly after surgery.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
One of the most common and effective treatments for spondylolisthesis is spinal fusion. In this procedure, the affected vertebrae are fused together to stabilize the spine and prevent further slippage. This is particularly helpful for patients who experience chronic pain or nerve compression that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Spinal fusion is highly effective in improving spine stability and reducing the likelihood of future complications related to vertebral slippage.
Fusion has a high success rate and can relieve pain, restore spinal stability and improve mobility. Depending on your specific condition, this surgery may be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. We work with you to determine the most appropriate approach based on your health needs, lifestyle and the specifics of your condition to help achieve the best possible outcome.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
After undergoing spondylolisthesis surgery, the recovery process is critical to achieving the best possible results. Each patient’s recovery timeline can vary based on the type of surgery and individual health factors. However, the general recovery process involves the following stages:
- Initial Recovery (0-2 weeks): After surgery, you will likely spend a few days in the hospital. During this time, our team will help with pain management and begin your rehabilitation with gentle movements.
- Physical Therapy (2-6 weeks): Once you are home, physical therapy plays a key role in your recovery. Rehab exercises will help improve flexibility, strength and posture. It’s important to follow a structured therapy plan to optimize your healing.
- Return to Activity (6-12 weeks): Most patients begin to return to light activities and work after a few weeks, though strenuous activities should be avoided for several months to allow the spine to heal properly.
We collaborate with some of the best rehabilitation centers in the Milwaukee area to provide you with the support you need during recovery. Physical therapy exercises are essential for regaining strength and mobility after surgery, and we are here to guide you through this important phase.
Why Branko Prpa M.D.?
Managing spondylolisthesis involves a combination of proper diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. With the right approach, patients can experience significant pain relief, regain their mobility and enjoy an active lifestyle. The recovery process is important and requires patience, but with the right support, most patients can return to their normal activities. At Branko Prpa M.D. Spine Surgery, we are dedicated to helping you navigate this process with expert guidance throughout. Whether you’re considering minimally invasive surgery or spinal fusion, we’ll help you find the most suitable treatment option based on your needs.
When it comes to spondylolisthesis surgery, Branko Prpa M.D. is a top choice for patients in Milwaukee and beyond. As a highly respected spine surgeon, Dr. Prpa uses the latest and most advanced techniques to make the process as smooth as possible for his patients. His expertise in treating spondylolisthesis and other spinal conditions has helped numerous individuals achieve pain relief and improve their quality of life.
We pride ourselves on offering a personalized approach to every patient. Dr. Prpa takes the time to understand each individual’s needs, working closely with them to create a tailored treatment plan. Our services are designed to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, and we even offer same-day procedures if your schedule allows, making it easier for you to start your recovery journey.
Patient satisfaction is our top priority. We work tirelessly to provide excellent care at every step – from your initial consultation to your post-surgery rehabilitation – to help you move freely and painlessly, so you can enjoy life to the fullest.
Let us help you get back to living pain-free. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how we can help you with spondylolisthesis surgery in Milwaukee.