STABILIZATION OF THE LUMBAR SPINE USING THE DYNESIS SYSTEM (PRELIMINARY RESULTS)

Abstract

Purpose: This is a prospective study to examine the post-operative self-satisfaction of the patients and the stability of the lumbar spine.

Material and Method: Twenty patients (11 female and 9 male), mean age 40 years old (range 35–58 years) were operated on for: central disc protrusion-sequestration (14 cases), lumbar Stenosis (3 cases) and lumbar instability (3 cases). For the stabilization of the lumbar spine, the Dynesis system (Sulzer-Medica) was applied. In 9 cases a one-motion segment was included in the stabilization, in 8 cases a two-motion and finally in 3 cases a three-motion segment were included. The pre and post-operative examination included a) the self assessment evaluation included the Oswesrty and Roland-Morris questionnaires and b) the radiological parameters related to the type of spinal problem and to the lumbar stability.

Results: The mean follow up was 12 months (range 9 to 24 months).There was statistically significant improvement of both the self assessment tests. The radiological examination demonstrated stable lumbar spines and no implant loosening or hardware failure.

Conclusion: In spite of the short follow-up the overall results prove that the dynamic stabilization of the lumbar spine with the Dynesis system, in cases of wide laminotomy (ies) for disc excision, and Stenosis as well as for stabilization of depenerative type lumbar instability, is able to provide satisfactory early results.