Degenerative lumbar scoliosis in elderly patients: dynamic stabilization without fusion versus posterior instrumented fusion

Abstract Background Posterior instrumented fusion is the most widely accepted surgical treatment for spinal stenosis with degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). However, long fusion can affect daily activities due to lumbar stiffness. Several clinical studies have shown that Dynesys dynamic stabilization in addition to laminectomy could lead to significant improvements in clinical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of Dynesys dynamic stabilization with posterior instrumented fusion for the management of spinal stenosis with DLS. Methods Between August 2010 and Deccember 2015, a total of 46 patients with spinal stenosis and degenerative lumbar scoliosis were enrolled in this study. 26 patients (Dynesys group) had fenestration decompression, selective intervertebral fusion and Dynesys stabilizationin. 20 patients (fusion group) underwent posterior instrumented fusion. Clinical outcomes, radiographic data, and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups. The average duration of follow-up for the Dynesys group and fusion group was 38 and 33 months respectively. Results The mean number of fixed segments were 3.3±0.8 in Dynesys group and 4.3±0.8 in fusion group. Lower average values of operative duration and blood loss were observed in the dynamic group than in the fusion group. VAS for back and leg pain improved in both groups of patients. There were significant difference in ODI and LSDI (lumbar stiffness disability index) between Dynesys group and fusion group at the last follow-up. The scoliosis Cobb's angle and lumbar lordosis significantly improved in both groups after surgery, and no significant difference were observed between the groups at the last follow-up (P＞0.05). Dynesys stabilization resulted in significantly higher preservation of motion at the implanted segments. Conclusions This study demonstrated that both Dynesys dynamic stabilization and instrumented fusion can improve clinical outcomes of patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. Compared to instrumented fusion, Dynesys stabilizationin have advantages on blood loss, operation time, perioperative complications. In addition, Dynesys stabilization partially preserves the ROM of the stabilized segments that may reduce the limitation on daily activities caused by lumbar stiffness. Dynesys stabilizationin can also correct scoliosis, prevent progression of the curve, and maintain lumbar lordosis in mild to moderate lumbar scoliosis without sagittal imbalance.

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Adult's Degenerative Scoliosis: Midterm Results of Dynamic Stabilization without Fusion in Elderly Patients—Is It Effective?

Advances in Orthopedics ◽

10.1155/2013/365059 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Mario Di Silvestre ◽

Francesco Lolli ◽

Tiziana Greggi ◽

Francesco Vommaro ◽

Andrea Baioni

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patients ◽

Cobb Angle ◽

Pedicle Screw ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Dynamic Stabilization ◽

Sagittal Imbalance ◽

Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis ◽

Lumbar Scoliosis

Study Design. A retrospective study.Purpose. Posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation used for degenerative lumbar scoliosis can lead to several complications. In elderly patients without sagittal imbalance, dynamic stabilization could represent an option to avoid these adverse events.Methods. 57 patients treated by dynamic stabilization without fusion were included. All patients had degenerative lumbarde novoscoliosis (average Cobb angle 17.2°), without sagittal imbalance, associated in 52 cases (91%) with vertebral canal stenosis and in 24 (42%) with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Nineteen patients (33%) had previously undergone lumbar spinal surgery.Results. At an average followup of 77 months, clinical results improved with statistical significance. Scoliosis Cobb angle was 17.2° (range, 12° to 38°) before surgery and 11.3° (range, 4° to 26°) at last follow-up. In the patients with associated spondylolisthesis, anterior vertebral translation was 19.5% (range, 12% to 27%) before surgery, 16.7% (range, 0% to 25%) after surgery, and 17.5% (range, 0% to 27%) at followup. Complications incidence was low (14%), and few patients required revision surgery (4%).Conclusions. In elderly patients with mild degenerative lumbar scoliosis without sagittal imbalance, pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilization is an effective option, with low complications incidence, granting curve stabilization during time and satisfying clinical results.

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