%0 Journal Article
%T Biomechanics of Posterior Dynamic Stabilization Systems
%A D. U. Erbulut
%A I. Zafarparandeh
%A A. F. Ozer
%A V. K. Goel
%J Advances in Orthopedics
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/451956
%X Spinal rigid instrumentations have been used to fuse and stabilize spinal segments as a surgical treatment for various spinal disorders to date. This technology provides immediate stability after surgery until the natural fusion mass develops. At present, rigid fixation is the current gold standard in surgical treatment of chronic back pain spinal disorders. However, such systems have several drawbacks such as higher mechanical stress on the adjacent segment, leading to long-term degenerative changes and hypermobility that often necessitate additional fusion surgery. Dynamic stabilization systems have been suggested to address adjacent segment degeneration, which is considered to be a fusion-associated phenomenon. Dynamic stabilization systems are designed to preserve segmental stability, to keep the treated segment mobile, and to reduce or eliminate degenerative effects on adjacent segments. This paper aimed to describe the biomechanical aspect of dynamic stabilization systems as an alternative treatment to fusion for certain patients. 1. Introduction Lower back pain is one of the major health problems around the world. One of the leading causes of lower back pain is considered to be degeneration of intervertebral disc. Disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, spondylosis, and spinal stenosis may follow intervertebral disc degeneration. Back pain occurs when posterior disc bulges out and impinges the nerve roots due to herniated disc. Another nerve root impingement may be seen in the condition of spinal stenosis, which is a reduction of the diameter of the spinal canal. The treatment options of lower back pain may vary depending on the severity of the case. They include conservative treatment or surgical techniques. Conservative treatments include exercise, medications, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Surgical treatment is considered for the patients when the back pain limits their daily activities and when the condition does not respond to other therapies. Surgical methods include decompression with spinal fusion or nonfusion devices. Spinal fusion supported by rigid instrumentation is widely used in the treatment of various spinal disorders. Since the procedure was first introduced by Albee and Hibbs in 1911, fusion has played an important role in the lumbar spine employed operations. The ideal result in performing fusion is to gain the necessary therapeutic goals with the minimal disruption of normal structure and function of the spinal column [1, 2]. However, usage of the rigid instrumentation results in a considerable amount of morbidity and of
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/aorth/2013/451956/