Comparison of clinical and radiographic results between isobar posterior dynamic stabilization and posterior lumbar inter-body fusion for lumbar degenerative disease: A four-year retrospective study

• Similar symptoms improvement and complication rates were found in two groups.
• IPDS is an effective and safe treatment for lumbar degenerative disease.
• There is currently insufficient evidence to indicate that IPDS can avoid adjacent segment degeneration.

PurposeA retrospective study was conducted to compare clinical outcome with radiographic data and clinical complications between isobar posterior dynamic stabilization (IPDS, Scient’x, France) and posterior lumbar inter-body fusion (PLIF) for lumbar degenerative disease.Methods113 consecutive patients (IPDS group, N = 62; PLIF group, N = 51) with lumbar degenerative disease were operated on between March 2009 and November 2011. Patient charts, radiographic films and medical records were reviewed. Clinical outcomes including the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, and radiographic outcomes, including disk height index (DHI) and range of motion (ROM) were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe ODI and VAS leg and back pain scores in two groups were significantly improved at 6 and, 24 months and at the final follow-up (all, P < 0.05). The degree of improvements in the ODI and VAS back pain scores, the incidence of complications and the rate of adjacent segment degeneration were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). However, operation times and blood loss were significantly reduced in the IPDS group (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn summary, with similar symptoms improvement and complication rates, the results of this study demonstrate that IPDS is an effective and safe treatment for lumbar degenerative disease. There is currently insufficient evidence to indicate that the IPDS can avoid adjacent segment degeneration therefore, it is essential to conduct prospective, randomized, controlled multicenter studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up.