Clinical Results of Unilateral Dynamic Rod Application in the Short-Medium Period

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the clinical results of patients who underwent unilateral dynamic rod stabilization after unilateral facet joint excision during spinal surgery. MATERIAL and METHODS: Twenty patients who were diagnosed with degenerative spinal disease or spinal tumor, who were operated on using a unilateral approach, who underwent facet joint resection, and who were stabilized with a unilateral dynamic rod were examined. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were used to clinically evaluate the cases during the preoperative and postoperative periods. Radiological examinations for sagittal alignment, segmental angle, and bone fusion were also conducted. RESULTS: The mean preoperative VAS and ODI scores were 7.6 and 71.7, respectively, and the 12th postoperative month scores were 1.1 and 12.8, respectively. The mean segmental angle measurements were 22.1 degrees in the preoperative period and 21.6 degrees at the postoperative 12th month. No deterioration in sagittal alignment and no bone fusion were observed. CONCLUSION: We can protect segmental movements and provide sufficient stability by applying unilateral dynamic rod stabilization after unilateral facetectomy. In addition, applying screws to one side can reduce operation time and cost as well as the possibility of complications.