Dynamic stabilization in the surgical management of painful lumbar spinal disorders.

Study Design: A literature review.

Objective: To evaluate the mechanisms of action and effectiveness of posterior dynamic stabilization devices in the management of painful spinal disorders.

Summary Of Background Data: Dynamic stabilization may provide pain relief by altering the transmission of abnormal loads across the degenerated disc space.

Methods: A Medline search was conducted.

Results: Articles supporting abnormal load transmission across the disc space and clinical reviews of currently available posterior dynamic systems were included.

Conclusions: Posterior dynamic stabilization systems may provide benefit comparable to fusion techniques, but without the elimination of movement. Further study is required to determine optimal design and clinical indications.