Coflex interspinous process dynamic internal fixation for lumbar degenerative diseases:the recovery of foraminal height and curative effects

Liang Chang-xiang; Chang Yun-bing; Gu Hong-lin; Liu Bin; Yin Dong; Zheng Xiao-qing; Huang Shuai-hao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.13.017

Abstract：BACKGROUND:Recently, Coflex was widely used in hospital in China for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis, and obtained perfect therapeutic effects. <br> OBJECTIVE:To discuss the curative effect of treating lumbar degenerative diseases by Coflex interspinal device, and to explore the relationship between foraminal height and the curative effect by comparing the change of foraminal height and the change of lumbar function. <br> METHODS:Coflex implantation for lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis was performed. The foraminal height and the heights of anterior and posterior borders were investigated. ODI and visual analogue scale before internal fixation, at 1 year after treatment and during fol ow-up were recorded. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The foraminal height and the heights of anterior and posterior borders were obviously increased after internal fixation. At 1 week after treatment, radiographs exhibited that the foraminal height and intervetebral height were maximal. The foraminal height and the heights of anterior and posterior borders decreased with prolonged fol ow-up time. At 26.4 months after mean internal fixation, significant differences in the foraminal height and intervetebral height were detected as compared with pre-fixation. Results of ODI and visual analogue scale demonstrated that patients’ functions were significantly improved at 3 months after treatment, and further improved at about 1 year after fixation. The recovery of lumbar vertebra function was optimal. No significant difference in ODI score was detectable between final fol ow-up and 1-year fixation. These results suggested that Coflex for lumbar disc herniation and mild and moderate lumbar spinal stenosis obtained ideal therapeutic effects. Its therapeutic effects mainly originate from the intraoperative decompression on dura mater and nerve root. However, Coflex effects on the recovery of foraminal height gradual y lost with prolonged fol ow-up time.