Spinal Procedure Avoids Fusion, Preserves Discs

A new spinal system designed to treat lower back and leg pain caused by spondylolisthesis and stenosis is able to stabilize the lumbar spine without traditional fusion surgery while preserving the patient's natural anatomy.

The system consists of spacers made of surgical polyurethane tubing surrounding a polyethylene cord. The dynamic relationship between the spacers and the cord stabilizes the affected vertebrae. The most important advantage of the system over current fusion techniques is the ability to preserve the intervertebral discs and anatomy of the affected vertebrae. This Dynesys Spinal System is the product of the Spine-Tech division of Centerpulse (Minneapolis, MN, USA; www.spinetech.com). The company says its system closes the gap between noninvasive treatment and fusion. Dynesys is intended as an alternative to the rigid fixation provided by fusion.

"Dynesys represents a significant advancement in the evolution of spine surgery,” said Dr. Reginald Davis, a neurosurgeon at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (MD, USA), who performed the first US procedure. "Spine surgeons are now able to stabilize the lumbar spine without traditional fusion surgery, while preserving the patient's natural anatomy. Instead of recovering in the hospital for the next three to five days, my patient will probably be relaxing and recovering at home in the next day or two.” Over the next few months, 19 other US surgical sites will be participating in a clinical study of Dynesys.




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