ABSTRACT
L ow-back pain is a clinical problem that has a tremendous socioeconomic impact in developed and aging populations.1,2 Approximately 85% of the population will develop low-back pain, and in 10% to 20% it will be a chronic problem.1,2 This is often the result of, but not limited to, common disorders such as lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis. These problems can be associated with degeneration and instability of the lumbar functional spine unit. Patients typically present with neurogenic claudication and significant mechanical back pain. Decompres-
sion alone will not treat the resulting instability. Stabilization of the lumbar functional spine unit is paramount. For decades, the only surgical option has been rigid spine fusion and the complications associated with arthrodesis.
