Uncertainties

How much clinical improvement will I see?

With any operation for back pain there is always some uncertainty about how much your symptoms will improve. In general, and this applies to any of the possible operations for back pain, it is unlikely that your symptoms will settle completely. Mr Boeree will only suggest surgery if he thinks there is a good chance of real improvement in your symptoms - such that you would feel that surgery was worthwhile. However, it is only realistic to expect some persisting symptoms and this may well include some degree of continuing functional restrictions. The degree of improvement that you can expect depends on many different individual and personal factors. However, although there may be a good prospect of a real improvement in your symptoms, there is some risk that they may not be improved as much as we would hope, or indeed that you may feel that your condition has not improved at all. There is even a small risk that your symptoms could be made worse.

Will the flexible rods wear out or break?

This is unknown, but if it were to occur it would be a relatively simple matter to replace the rods. Alternative techniques may be suggested.

Can changes still occur at the operated level?

Because the dynamic stabilization will off-load and protect the disc and facet joints any future natural deterioration will be slowed. However, it can't guarantee to stop that process altogether.

Does Dynamic Stabilization avoid the risk of transferring stress to other levels?

It should do, although the flexible rods are still somewhat stiffer than the normal healthy spine. Long term studies suggest that accelerated degenerative disease is not likely to occur.

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