Dynamic stabilisation

As an alternative to spinal fusion surgery, also known as spondylodesis, it is possible to reconstruct and stabilise the affected sections of the spine in a way that preserves movement, i.e. dynamically. When we consider the structure, function and requirements of the spine, it becomes clear what a complex organ it is. A healthy spine gives the human body mobility and stability without any pain. If structures in the spine are damaged as a result of degeneration, an accident or surgery, the balance between mobility and stability is disrupted. This malfunction typically leads to pain and is often the beginning of a whole cascade of secondary diseases of the spine. These can include:

• Degenerative scoliosis
• Degenerative instability
• Connection instability after previous stiffening
• spondylolisthesis
• Spondylarthrosis, facet joint arthrosis and spinal stenosis
• “Failed-back syndrome
• “Post-nucleotomy syndrome

The aim of spinal fusion surgery is to exclude the painful and diseased parts of the spine from the chain of movement. These spinal segments are fused and thus immobilised. Clinical studies have shown that spinal fusion surgery can often lead to painful secondary diseases in the adjacent segments. These, as well as the dreaded complication of implant loosening, may necessitate further surgical intervention. Based on these findings, the method of dynamic treatment has been developed.

Dynamic treatment of the diseased segments follows a completely different philosophy. It takes into account the fact that the spine cannot fulfil its function without the essential interplay of „stability and movement“. The aim of dynamic treatment surgery is to preserve the movement and function of the vertebral segments while eliminating the causes of pain. Various implants are available to the surgeon for this purpose.

Compared to other implants, the viscoelastic disc prosthesis has the advantage that its design perfectly mimics the function of the natural disc. Furthermore, extensive laboratory testing has proven that it has a durability of at least 50 years. Whether and how surgical treatment of the affected vertebral segments should be carried out is planned individually by the specialist after thorough diagnosis (MRI, CT, X-ray, physical and neurological examination). If, for certain reasons, partial fusion of a section of the spine is unavoidable, this should be limited to one segment as far as possible, as shown in the following example. In this way, the greatest possible functionality of the spine can be maintained or restored.

New clinical studies have shown that dynamic stabilisation of the spine is a sensible alternative to fusion surgery.