Abstract

The authors report their clinical experience with Graf's supple intervertebral stabilization system. The results are discussed with respect to the biomechanical and clinical definitions of vertebral instability and the natural evolution of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. The result are favorable for the cases with clinical instability, but are not as good for the degenerative cases or after discectomy. In spite of the short-term clinical benefits for the cases with pathological articular hypermobility, the authors are cautious regarding the use of this technique. They emphasize the unknown long-term clinical and biomechanical evolution and the difficulties encountered for secondary arthrodesis caused by the volume of the pedicular screws.