Overview

Patients suffering from back and/or leg pain due to a slipped disc or spinal stenosis now have an alternative to a fusion surgery. The Dynesys® Spinal System is available at The Spine Institute. Unlike a fusion, which alleviates pain by stopping motion at the affected area of the spine, the Dynesys System stabilizes the region without fusing it. The flexible material of the system allow the spine to move in a controlled manner.

Product: The DYNESYS® Spinal System is a new concept in the relief of back and leg pain. The Dynesys system uses flexible materials to stabilize the affected lumbar region while preserving the natural anatomy of the spine. This system is unique; it is designed to stabilize the spine without fusing. It will allow some motion in the spine and is implanted through a familiar surgical approach.

Symptoms: Chronic back and leg pain in the lumbar region, caused by problems with the intervertebral discs, is usually given non-invasive treatment for as long as possible. When such treatment no longer provides relief, the primary solution until now has been removal of the affected discs and fusion of the vertebral segments. It is estimated that nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. undergo fusion procedures each year. The intent of the Dynesys system is to provide spine surgeons with an alternative to the rigid fixation provided by today's systems. The Dynesys system is currently being studied to alleviate pain that results from two common conditions.

• Spinal Stenosis – A condition where compression of nerves can produce symptoms of pain, numbness and tingling in the legs. Most cases of spinal stenosis occur in the low back (lumbar spine) and most often affect the sciatic nerve.
• Spondylolisthesis – This condition is more commonly known as "slipped disc". This condition refers to abnormal and excessive movement of the vertebrae causing pain in the lower back and leg.
  

Procedure

During this unique surgical procedure, a small device is attached to both sides of the affected vertebrae. This device is comprised of external spacers made of surgical polyurethane (flexible plastic tubing) surrounding a polyethylene (nylon-like) cord. The device is implanted through a familiar surgical approach.

Benefits: Once in place on the spine, the dynamic relationship between the spacer and cord offers two major benefits to patients:

• Stabilizes the joints, helping to keep the vertebrae in a more natural position while leaving the intervertebral discs and joints intact. This eliminates the pain caused by excess motion.
• Allows a controlled range of motion. The implanted device is made of flexible materials and is intended to permit careful controlled bending, straightening and twisting movement in the affected joints. This may result in more natural functioning of the spine. For surgeons, the Dynesys system introduces an innovation in the treatment of back and leg pain.