Dynamic stabilization in the surgical management of painful lumbar spinal disorders

Study Design. A literature review. Objective. To evaluate the mechanisms of action and effectiveness of posterior dynamic stabilization devices in the management of painful spinal disorders. Summary of Background Data. Dynamic stabilization may provide pain relief by altering the transmission of abnormal loads across the degenerated disc space. Methods. A Medline search was conducted. Results. Articles supporting abnormal load transmission across the disc space and clinical reviews of currently available posterior dynamic systems were included. Conclusions. Posterior dynamic stabilization systems may provide benefit comparable to fusion techniques, but without the elimination of movement. Further study is required to determine optimal design and clinical indications.