How to treat spondylolisthesis in the elderly?

Question
My mother is 84 years old this year, when she was examined at the hospital, she was diagnosed with a collapsed spine. The doctor gave her medicine for a month, but her condition did not improve, she still could not sit. Please advise if there is a better treatment? Thank you doctor.
Lam Muoi (1966)
Reply
Dear Ms. Lam Muoi, according to you, your mother has a fractured vertebrae. At this age, osteoporosis is often accompanied. At the time of the injury, if her mother had no paralysis, no urinary retention, and an X-ray showed only a simple fracture, her mother should be treated conservatively with the right method:
Absolute bed rest (eating and drinking) Urinating evenly in the lying position), do not sit up for 6-8 weeks. During this time, her mother needs to take pain relievers (if the pain is unbearable), anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin and mineral supplements, and anti-osteoporosis drugs. Practice drinking milk to supplement calcium and nutrition every day. Exercise extremities, practice deep breathing every day as many times as possible, fight against ulcers caused by pressure on the back, and amputee. Every morning, you should let the tool dry in the sun for about 20 minutes. After about 8 weeks, her mother should sit up slowly to learn to walk (with support). If her mother does not lie down absolutely for the first 6-8 weeks, the broken bone will be difficult to heal and become chronic pain, the broken bone will sink further, the risk of compression of the spinal canal causing paralysis of the leg.
In the case of your mother, now it is necessary to re-examine to see if there is still a chance for conservative treatment? If not, it is possible to consider the indication of bio-cement pump to stabilize the spine, help relieve pain and be able to sit up and walk soon. Wish your mother well.
You can contact the hospitals of Vinmec Health System for more detailed advice.
Thank you for your question to Vinmec Health System. Best regards!
Doctor of Orthopedics - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.