Abstract
The management of discogenic pain continues to be controversial. The results for operative and non-operative management are variable. This study aims to look at the results of interbody fusion versus dynamic stabilisation in patients with discogenic pain.
Diagnosis was made by use of MRI and provocative discography. All patients had pre-operative Visual Analogue Scores and Oswestry Disability Index scores. Patients were then assessed in the post-operative period at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Case matched series with 19 patients in each group with a mean follow-up of 24 months. In comparison of both techniques there were no statistically significant differences but the dynamic stabilisation group had improved outcomes with both measures. The results did raise some further issues, as several patients in each group were either worse or had no significant improvement following surgery.
In conclusion this paper raises concerns regarding the use of surgery for patients with discogenic pain. If surgery is however considered, dynamic stabilisation is a valid alternative to interbody fusion.
