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

PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.