Radioisotopic assessment of bone metabolism of the operated vertebra after inter-process stabilizer implantation in the lumbar segment of the spine.

INTRODUCTION: Lack of efficacy of pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy in spinal pain syndrome is an indication for intervertebral stabilizer implantation between the processes in the lumbar segment of the spine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group consisted of 32 patients qualified after radioisotopic single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) examinations with assessment of bone metabolism and mineral density. For comparative purposes, the L2 vertebra was defined as normal. Parameters defined in the area of operated vertebrae were comparable to L2. Imaging examinations and a pain intensity test were performed before and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS: In SPECT, osteotropic isotope (OI) activity in spinous bodies and processes was close to L2 values. Density assessed in CT of analysed vertebrae was close to L2. In the control examination, activity of OI in spinous bodies and processes was higher in the procedure area. Under the stabilizer, there was a strong positive correlation with the L2 parameters. The differences were statistically significant (p = 0.0002). The increase of OI activity in the elements above the stabilizer was variable. In the control examination, there was higher density of spinous processes and bodies above and under the stabilizer. The difference, compared to the L2 density, was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The radioisotopic method with SPECT/CT allows for the precise assessment of bone metabolism in the spine. After the procedure, a negative correlation was observed between bone metabolism changes and pain intensity test results.