Dynamic Stabilization in North Texas

Dynamic lumbar spine stabilization is an open-spine surgical procedure that is performed to address issues that have compromised the stability of the lumbar region. A traditional spinal fusion procedure forces the vertebrae to grow together into a single solid bone by screwing in stiff rods to connect them. The dynamic spine stabilization procedure joins vertebrae together using flexible rods or tubes and segmented materials, preserving some of the spine’s flexibility. Dynamic spinal stabilization also reduces some of the problems inherent with metal implants, such as disc degeneration near the fusion site. This technique also reduces the load on the spine’s joints and discs, which may reduce pain and improve the recovery time after surgery.

Board-certified and fellowship-trained North Texas spine surgeon Dr. Kendall Carll has more than 15 years of experience treating complex back conditions from his practice Spine Care of North Texas located in Addison and Plano, TX. Dr. Carll utilizes dynamic stabilization surgery to help patients regain a high quality of life when conservative treatment methods have failed to provide pain relief.

Dynamic stabilization is usually performed to address spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease, but only after conservative treatment for these conditions has failed. Dynamic stabilization surgery may be suitable for you if:

• Nonsurgical treatments have failed to achieve pain relief
• You are at an appropriate weight
• You are a nonsmoker
• You have an active lifestyle and a strong desire to maintain or resume that lifestyle
• You have spinal stenosis and/or spondylolisthesis
• You have lower back pain and/or degenerative disc disease

This surgical procedure is performed in a hospital setting with the patient under general anesthesia. Using fluoroscopy technology, Dr. Carll will verify the exact treatment area before initiating the procedure. An incision is made in the low back area. Pedicle screws are placed above and below the injured vertebrae and then connected to rods, which allow movement. Your incision site will be sutured closed following the procedure, and may take up to five hours to perform. You will remain in a recovery room for up to two hours before being transferred to your hospital room. During your recovery, you will be hooked up to a pain pump to help keep your pain tolerable. Your hospital stay could last as long as three days.

A brace or corset will be prescribed to restrict bending and promote healing of the spine during your recovery. Hospital staff will have you stand up and move around shortly after the surgery. Dr. Carll typically recommends physical therapy after the first follow-up visit. Most patients can return to sedentary tasks within the first month after their procedure. Patients that work physically demanding jobs may have to wait up to three months to return to work. The pace at which you will recover from surgery varies greatly from one patient to another and can be further altered by the age, weight, and health of each individual.

Spinal stabilization surgery can drastically decrease back pain, thus increasing your overall quality of life. Spine Care of North Texas is committed to helping you find a solution for your pain. Using proven surgical and nonsurgical treatment methods, we have helped thousands of North Texas patients take back their lives. If you or someone you know is affected by back pain, contact our helpful staff today. During a consultation with Dr. Carll, we can discuss the potential cause of your pain to help you take steps toward healing.