Introduction: Current evidence on the indications for and efficacy of non-rigid lumbar stabilisation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to review the results of this system in thirty four patients who underwent this procedure between 2002 and 2006.

Methods & Results: Validated outcome measures including Visual Analog Score (VAS), Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), Modified Zung Score and Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year post operatively. Subjective patient outcome (much better, better, same, worse) was assessed at final followup Kaplan-Meier Survival analysis was performed using need for revision surgery as endpoint. The indications for surgery in thirty patients was radicular pain and back pain, these patients underwent discectomy (12 patients) or decompression (18 patients) in addition to Dynesys. Two patients who had only back pain underwent Dynesys alone. There were statistically significant improvements in VAS, RMDQ, Modified Zung and MSPQ scores at 1 year. However at final followup 46% of patients had a unsatisfactory subjective patient outcome (worse or the same). 25% of patients required revision surgery (posterolateral fusion) for ongoing pain (seven patients) or infection (one patient).

Conclusion: We recommend that all patients undergoing this procedure are counselled regarding the high rate of revision surgery and patient dissatisfaction. Routine use of this implant should be subject to the findings of larger studies and randomised controlled trials.

Ethics approval: None

Interest Statement: None