ES

Motion preservation

Pedicle-based dynamic stabilisation

Not every painful spine needs to be fixed.

Frequently asked questions

Pedicle screws joined by a flexible system that controls abnormal movement without fusing the segment, in a completely reversible technique.

It restrains the excessive mobility that causes pain but, unlike a fusion, keeps some movement of the segment. The technique remains current with the Transition system from Globus Medical.

Its most important feature is that it is a completely reversible technique: it does not damage healthy structures such as muscle or the facet joint capsules. If it fails, it can be removed or replaced by any other available technique.

Its results are very interesting, although the published evidence is not yet solid. That is why I reserve it for selected cases, and I explain this before proposing it.

Typical indications

  • Selected cases in which the aim is to stabilise the segment without fusing it
  • Patients in whom it matters to keep other techniques open for the future

Frequently asked questions

How does it differ from a fusion?

In that the aim is not to knit the vertebrae together. The pedicle screws are joined by a flexible system that restrains the excessive mobility causing pain, but the segment keeps some movement instead of being locked.

Is it true that it can be taken out?

Yes, and that is its most important feature: it is a completely reversible technique. It does not damage healthy structures such as muscle or the facet joint capsules, so if it does not meet its goal it can be removed or replaced by any other available technique. It closes no doors.

Is dynamic stabilisation proven to work?

The results are very interesting, but the published evidence is not yet solid, and I tell this to everyone who considers the technique before I propose it. That is why I reserve it for selected cases: the decision is taken knowing exactly what ground we are on.

Is it not an old technique that has been abandoned?

It remains current, today with the Transition system from Globus Medical. What has changed is not the concept but the judgement applied: it is no longer offered widely, but in chosen cases and after explaining its limits.

The information on this page is for guidance only and does not replace a personalised medical assessment. Whether any technique is indicated depends on each patient's examination and scans.

Other techniques in motion preservation

Could one of these fit your case?

I review your scans and tell you frankly which option makes sense, including not operating.