Question
I have been recommended to get a spinal fusion by a few surgeons and I am 33 y.o.  I suffer from chronic pain and have spondylilotheses(grade 1)L5 stress fracture at the pars defects, beginning degenerative disc disease and osteoarthrits.  Could I be a candidate for the dynesis dynamic stabilization system or balloon kyphoplasty?

Answer
You could be a candidate for either one but you need to address the preferred treatment with the neurosurgeons that have your medical records and films.  Each injury is unique and therefore, so is the treatment.

While the balloon kyphoplasty is less invasive, there are great risks involved due to injecting cement into the area.  The Dynesys system is an internal stabilization used in spondylolisthesis that works with rods affixed to the vertebra that allow greater mobility post-operatively.  Each technique requires a neurosurgeon who is specially trained in the use of the technique and the equipment.

I recommend that you ask your neurosurgeons to help you determine which process best fits your specific condition.

Thank you for your question, Shawn.  I hope that my answer was helpful.