OBJECTIVETo evaluate the intermediate and long-term follow-up effect of posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization in lumbar degenerative disease.

METHODSThe clinical outcomes of 96 patients (male 51, female 45, age from 21 to 68 years, mean 41.5 years) whose follow-up time were more than 2 years with lumbar degenerative disease treated by posterior decompression with Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization implant or combined with posterior lumbar fusion from August 2007 to January 2010 were retrospectively studied, and assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS) and spinal operative standard of Chinese Medical Association. The early and long-term follow-up effect and complications associated with Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization were recorded. The height of intervertebral space at the treated level in lateral plain film were measured at preoperatively, 3 month postoperatively and last follow-up, respectively. The finds of MRI obtained at over 6 month postoperative were recorded.

RESULTSThe operative procedure of Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization implant was easy and less invasive. The VAS scores were 78 ± 24, 28 ± 16 and 14 ± 12 preoperatively, 3 month postoperatively and last follow-up, respectively. The good or excellent result was 91.7% at the last follow-up. No complication related with Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization was found. The rate of patient's satisfaction with the Wallis implant operation was 95.8%. The disc height at the treated level in lateral plain film were (8.2 ± 3.7), (10.4 ± 2.6) and (10.1 ± 1.9) mm at preoperatively, 3 month postoperatively and last follow-up, respectively. There is no further degenerative change found in MRI obtained at over 6 month postoperative. MRI 1 year after Wallis procedure showed rehydration of the formerly black disc at the treated level.

CONCLUSIONSIt is easy and safe to use Wallis posterior dynamic lumbar stabilization in treatment of degenerative lumbar disease, and the effect of the intermediate and long-term follow-up more than 2 years is good. The Wallis system provides an alternative for treatment of lumbar degenerative disease.