The results of a consecutive series of dynamic posterior stabilizations using the PercuDyn device

To evaluate the results of a consecutive series of patients affected by lumbar discogenic pain associated with facet pain and canal stenosis surgically treated with the PercuDyn device.

From 2009, 129 consecutive patients (96 M, 33 F, mean age 62) were treated with posterior dynamic stabilization screws (PercuDyn). Inclusion criteria were minimum follow-up of 24 months; pain localized at the lumbar spine column alone or in association to lower limb radicular pain; magnetic resonance evidence of disc degeneration associated with facet degeneration and canal stenosis. Patients were clinically studied using VAS scale and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); CT assessment of the neuroforamina and spinal canal areas was done at 1 month of follow-up.

At 24 months of follow-up, 96 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 96 intervertebral spaces were treated (85 levels L5-S1, 11 levels L4-L5). The VAS scale showed a statistically significant difference at 1 month, 6 months and 2 years with respect to the pre-operative value (p < 0.001). The ODI score registered a significant difference with the same fashion (p < 0.001 both at 1- and 6-month, and 2-year follow-up with respect to the pre-operatory). At 1-month follow-up, neuroforamina and spinal canal areas were considerably wider (p < 0.05). 70 (72.5 %) patients were satisfied of the procedure.

In this wide cohort study, the PercuDyn ensured good clinical and radiological results, with more than 70 % of patients satisfied of the procedure. Very few complications were noted, with an immediate return to daily activities. At longer follow-ups, 10 % of patients received revision surgery.