Disc Rehydration after Dynamic Stabilization: A Report of 59 Cases
Atilla Yilmaz1, Salim Senturk2, Mehdi Sasani2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey.
Asian Spine Journal
|July 4, 2017
Summary
Dynamic stabilization systems (DSS) may help regenerate degenerated discs by promoting rehydration and balanced loading. This study found DSS improved clinical outcomes and showed signs of disc regeneration in patients with degenerative disc disease.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a significant cause of back pain.
- Current treatments aim to manage symptoms, as disc self-regeneration is limited.
- Dynamic stabilization systems (DSS) are proposed to aid rehydration in early DDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with DDD undergoing lumbar stabilization with DSS.
- To assess disc regeneration using MRI following DSS implantation.
- To investigate the role of physiological movement and load distribution in disc healing.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 59 patients with DDD treated with DSS.
- Preoperative and 12-month postoperative MRI to assess Intervertebral Disc (IVD) degeneration using the Pfirrmann classification.
- Clinical outcomes measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for function, with a mean follow-up of 6.4 years.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in VAS and ODI scores at 6 and 12 months post-surgery.
- MRI showed disc regeneration (IVD changes) in 34% of patients; 5% improved by two Pfirrmann grades.
- Progressive degeneration occurred in 13.5% of patients, while 52.5% showed no change.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic stabilization systems (DSS) may decelerate disc degeneration.
- DSS appears to facilitate disc regeneration by promoting physiological movement and balanced load distribution.
- These findings support the use of DSS for managing degenerative disc disease.
