Biomechanical changes in the cervical spine alignment after lumbar dynamic stabilization

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the biomechanical changes in cervical spine parameters following the surgical correction of lumbar deformity with dynamic stabilization, and to evaluate how the preoperative parameters are related to these changes. Materials and Methods: Anteroposterior and lateral scoliosis radiographs of 20 patients were obtained, who underwent a dynamic stabilization (DynesysR, Zimmer, USA) and Safinaz screw peek rod placement procedures for lumbar deformity. The cervical spine parameters in the radiographs were measured in Surgimap program by an independent researcher, and they were classified into 5 categories and compared by using the Wilcoxon test in preoperative and early postoperative periods. The data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25th Edition. Results: Between all the parameters examined, the changes in the patients’ T1 Slop Angle were found to be statistically significant (p value<0.05). Depending on this, it was concluded that dynamic stabilization of lomber deformity could change the biomechanical loads in the postoperative cervical spine alignment. Conclusion: Dynamic stabilization surgery for spinal deformity, which is conducted to restore sagittal balance, can also lead to biomechanical improvement in the cervical spine alignment.