Coflex interspinous process dynamic stabilization for lumbar spinal stenosis: Long-term follow-up

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term efficacy of Coflex dynamic stabilization device in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.MethodsThe clinical and imaging data of 73 patients undergoing Coflex dynamic stabilization surgery from July 2008 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had a minimum of 8 years of follow-up. Clinical data were used to assess the clinical efficacy, and radiographic parameters were measured for evaluation of ASD.Results56 Patients were followed up for 107.6 ± 13.3 months. The visual analogue scale of pain (VAS), Owestry disability index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores (JOA) improved significantly after surgery. At 6 months after surgery and the last follow-up, lumbar range of motion (ROM) was significantly lower than that before surgery (P < 0.001). ROM was slightly increased at the last follow-up compared with that 6 months after operation (P > 0.05). ROM of adjacent segments increased at 6 months and at the last follow-up compared with that before surgery (P > 0.05). At 6 months after surgery, intervertebral space height (ISH) and intervertebral foramen height (IFH) of implanted segment was significantly higher than that before surgery (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, there was a decrease in ISH and IFH (P > 0.05). During the follow-up period, a total of 11 patients (19.6%) experienced complications and 6 patients (10.7%) underwent secondary surgery.ConclusionCoflex interspinous process dynamic stabilization is effective in the long-term treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis, the ISH and IFH of implanted segment could be increased in a short period of time.