Spinal Procedures

Dynamic Stabilization System


General Conditions of the Spine

Because the spine is so important for support and movement, a spinal problem can disrupt even the simplest of your daily activities. There are a number of conditions of the spine that can cause pain and affect movement, including spinal stenosis, fractures, and spondylolisthesis, more commonly known as a “slipped disc.”

People with these conditions may have symptoms such as low back pain, pain or numbness that travels down one or both legs, weakness in their leg muscles, or pain when they urinate. The pain often occurs when the nerves that run through the spine become pinched.

When a disc degenerates, the space between the vertebrae narrows. This narrowing can pinch the nerves and cause pain.

Dynesys

Stenosis

This is 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 affect the sciatic nerve.

Spondylolisthesis

This condition is more commonly known as a “slipped disc.” It refers to abnormal and excessive movement of the vertebrae, which causes pain in the lower back or leg.

Treatment Options

Chronic lower back and leg pain is usually treated with non-surgical methods for as long as possible. These treatments include rest, ice or heat, weight control, exercise, physical therapy, medication and steroid injections.

If these non-surgical treatments don’t bring relief after a period of time, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment to take pressure off the nerves that are causing pain by restoring alignment of the spine or the space between the vertebrae.

How the Dynesys® System Works

Dynesys The Dynesys® Dynamic Stabilization System uses the same surgical approach of traditional fusion surgery, but employs flexible materials to stabilize the spine while preserving anatomical structures as an adjunct to fusion.

The Dynesys® System was designed to relieve lower back and leg pain resulting from some of the most common conditions of the spine including stenosis and spondylolisthesis.

During the surgical procedure for fusion, a small device is attached to both sides of the affected vertebrae. The Dynesys® device is comprised of titanium alloy screws and external spacers made of surgical polyurethane (flexible plastic tubing) surrounding a polyethylene (nylon-like) cord.

Once in place in the spine, the dynamic push-pull relationship between the spacer and the cord stabilizes the affected joints, therefore stabilizing the spinal segments as an adjunct to fusion.

Benefits of the Unique Dynesys® System

The Dynesys® Dynamic Stabilization System is designed to:

  • • Relieve pain
  • • Stabilize the affected joints as an adjunct to fusion
  • • Preserve much of the spinal anatomy (facets)
  • • Allow for a minimally invasive procedure

Dynesys The innovative Dynesys® system was created to give surgeons like Dr. Lestini who are at the forefront of spinal treatment technologies another approach to traditional fusion.

Based on your examination, Dr. Lestini may be recommending the Dynesys® Dynamic Stabilization System to treat your pain and help you return to your normal daily activities.

For a consultation concerning treatment options regarding the Dynesys® system, please contact Triangle Spine and Back Care Center at 919-876-7676.

To learn more about the Dynesys® Dynamic Stabilization System, visit www.zimmer.com.


Triangle Spine & Back Care Center is the longest standing orthopedic practice in Raleigh, NC that focuses solely on spine and back care with a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at its helm. William F. Lestini, MD, provides operative and non- operative treatments for all spinal conditions.