title: Early clinical effects of the Dynesys system plus transfacet decompression through the Wiltse approach for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study investigated early clinical effects of Dynesys system plus transfacet decompression through the Wiltse approach in treating lumbar degenerative diseases.
  
  
  METHODS
  37 patients with lumbar degenerative disease were treated with the Dynesys system plus transfacet decompression through the Wiltse approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that all patients healed from surgery without severe complications. The average follow-up time was 20 months (9-36 months). Visual Analogue Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores decreased significantly after surgery and at the final follow-up. There was a significant difference in the height of the intervertebral space and intervertebral range of motion (ROM) at the stabilized segment, but no significant changes were seen at the adjacent segments. X-ray scans showed no instability, internal fixation loosening, breakage, or distortion in the follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Dynesys system plus transfacet decompression through the Wiltse approach is a therapeutic option for mild lumbar degenerative disease. This method can retain the structure of the lumbar posterior complex and the motion of the fixed segment, reduce the incidence of low back pain, and decompress the nerve root.
authors.affiliation: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland).
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China (mainland).
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China (mainland).
authors.forename: Ji-Wei
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Tian
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D021801:Zygapophyseal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*