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Published on: August 30, 2016
Disc changes in the bridged and adjacent segments after Dynesys dynamic stabilization system after two years
Abhishek Kumar1, James Beastall, Justin Hughes
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Woodend Hospital, Arberdeen, UK. drabhi.kp@gmail.com
Spine
|December 19, 2008
Summary
Dynesys dynamic stabilization did not prevent disc degeneration at operated or adjacent levels. Radiologic changes suggest continued degeneration, potentially due to natural disease progression, despite the motion-preserving technique.
Area of Science:
- Spinal Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Fusion surgery can lead to adjacent segment disc degeneration.
- Nonfusion, motion-preserving techniques aim to prevent this complication.
- Dynesys dynamic stabilization is one such nonfusion surgical option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate radiologic changes in intervertebral discs following Dynesys dynamic stabilization.
- To assess disc degeneration and disc height at operated and adjacent levels post-procedure.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case series of 32 patients with 2-year follow-up MRI scans.
- Pre- and postoperative lumbar MRIs analyzed for disc degeneration (Woodend classification) and disc height.
- Two independent observers evaluated scans with good interobserver agreement.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in disc degeneration at operated levels in the Dynesys-alone group (Woodend score P < 0.001).
- No significant increase in degeneration at proximal or distal adjacent levels.
- Significant reduction in anterior disc height (P < 0.001), while posterior height showed no significant change.
Conclusions:
- Disc degeneration appears to continue at operated and adjacent segments despite Dynesys dynamic stabilization.
- Observed degeneration may be attributed to the natural progression of the disease process.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of dynamic stabilization on adjacent segments.
