Wesley H. Bronson, MD, MSB
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon

The Mount Sinai Hospital
5 East 98th Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10029
Phone: 212-241-5435
Fax: 646-537-9449

Mount Sinai Doctors - Scarsdale
341 Central Park Avenue
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Phone: 212-241-5435
Fax: 646-537-9449

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the spine moves forward out of the proper position onto the bone below it.

Causes of Spondylolisthesis

In children, spondylolisthesis usually occurs between the fifth bone in the lower back (lumbar vertebra) and the first bone in the sacrum (pelvis) area. It is often due to a birth defect in that area of the spine or sudden injury (acute trauma).

In adults, the most common cause is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones, such as arthritis. The condition mostly affects people over 50 years old. It is more common in women than in men.

Bone disease and fractures can also cause spondylolisthesis. Certain sports activities, such as gymnastics, weightlifting, and football, greatly stress the bones in the lower back. They also require that the athlete constantly overstretch (hyperextend) the spine. This can lead to a stress fracture on one or both sides of the vertebra. A stress fracture can cause a spinal bone to become weak and shift out of place.

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may vary from mild to severe. A person with spondylolisthesis may have no symptoms. Children may not show symptoms until they're 18 years old.

The condition can lead to increased lordosis (also called swayback). In later stages, it may result in kyphosis (roundback) as the upper spine falls off the lower spine.

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Lower back pain
  • Muscle tightness (tight hamstring muscle)
  • Pain, numbness, or tingling in the thighs and buttocks
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness in the area of the vertebra that is out of place
  • Weakness in the legs

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Spinal conditions treated by Wesley Bronson, MD | New York Spine Surgeon in Manhattan & Scarsdale

Conditions We Treat

Dr. Bronson is experienced in treating complex spinal conditions including spinal trauma, tumors, stenosis, disc herniation, myelopathy, radiculopathy, scoliosis, sciatica, spondylolysis, sponsylolisthesis, kyphosis, and more.

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Orthopedic procedures performed by Wesley Bronson, MD | New York Spine Surgeon in Manhattan & Scarsdale

Common Surgeries Performed

Dr. Bronson’s clinical focus comprises the full gamut of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal conditions, ranging from outpatient minimally invasive procedures to complex adult spinal deformity and scoliosis surgery.

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Mount Sinai office locations of Wesley Bronson, MD | New York Spine Surgeon in Manhattan & Scarsdale

World Class Medical Facilities

Mount Sinai Health System hospitals rank among the finest nationwide when it comes to excellence in delivery of patient care, and Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked worldwide in four specialties including orthopedics.

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