What Is Grade One Retrolisthesis?
Retrolisthesis is a back condition in which one vertebra is pushed out of place, usually due to injury. A grade one retrolisthesis is the most minor kind.
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Grades
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Four different grades are used to measure the severity of a retrolisthesis. Grade one is the most minor, with the vertebra only slightly misaligned (up to 25 percent), while grade four is the worst, with the vertebra completely misaligned.
Causes
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A blow to the spine can knock vertebrae out of alignment, causing retrolisthesis. The instability that results can press a vertebra further out of position, worsening the condition.
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Symptoms
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Because grade one retrolisthesis is a relatively minor condition, symptoms are usually mild. A patient may experience back instability or pain. In more severe cases, which can develop if the condition is not treated, spinal damage can occur.
Treatment
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For grade one retrolisthesis, nonsurgical treatment is usually possible. Physically realigning the vertebra should allow the condition to heal.
Surgery
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Surgery is rarely needed to correct grade one retrolisthesis. However, if the retrolisthesis poses a significant health risk, surgery may be used to realign the spine.
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