Wallis® Dynamic Stabilization
Dynamic stabilization offers a much less invasive alternative to traditional methods and, unlike other procedures, is completely reversible. The wallis implant reduces the abnormal loads through the disc and facet joints.
Possible Complications
General Risks
Surgery does carry with it the general risks associated with having an anaesthetic. These will depend to some degree upon your age, your general state of health and any other specific medical problems that affect you. These risks are low but should not be ignored and it must always be remembered that some complications, although rare, can be very serious and certain unforeseen circumstances can even lead to death. However, clinical experience and many studies show us that these risks are very unusual and for the vast majority of patients surgery proceeds entirely uneventfully. If you have concerns about your specific risks or feel any issues have not been answered please feel free to ask at any stage.
Risks related to the Surgery
The Wallis® stabilization procedure is so minimally invasive that the risks of the surgery are really very minimal. There is a very small risk of a haematoma (blood clot) forming under the skin but if this does occur it will usually resolve itself straight away. As with all operations there is a small chance of a wound infection occurring.
Risks arising from the Wallis® Implant
Again, since the technique is so non-destructive there are very few risks and certainly none are disastrous. The implant breaking or wearing out is almost unknown but were it to happen, it is simple to remove and replace. This also applies to the very small chance that the implant pops out of position. The spinous processes to which the implant are anchored can break and this is a little more likely in elderly patients or those with osteoporosis. In fact the spinous processes are very strong (they are also anchor points for the powerful muscles in the back) and fracture is very unusual. Again, the implant is easy to remove and alternative techniques can still be used if necessary. If infection develops involving the implant, which can occur occasionally (as with any implant) and may crop up even quite a long time after the operation, it may be necessary to remove the implant for a while to get the infection settled. Once the infection has been cleared the Wallis® stabilization can then be re-done.
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In memory of Nick Boeree
Following the sudden death of Nick Boeree we have set up a tribute page to allow you to share your memories, thoughts, and feelings. Click here.
I’d been seen at my local hospital and had a scan. They said 'it’s just wear and tear, live with it’. Great!! So life has to stop, does it? But the tests you arranged (and quickly I might add) clearly identified the problem, as you were able to show us
Jessica Lewis
