There's a clinical trial going on for something that looks very promising for treating spinal stenosis without fusion, even where there is instability. I don't qualify, because I've had previous surgery, but I think I'm gonig to hold off on anything else until this becomes standard, or something similar.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/sho...479544?order=1

"The Stabilimax NZ is inserted and fixed to the vertebra by means of pedicle screws in exactly the same way a fusion device is inserted and attached. The only difference is that for the Stabilimax NZ, no bone graft will be placed around or between the vertebra to promote bone growth for fusion."

Patients in the clinical trial will either receive the Stabilimax NZ or a standard spinal fusion. The complete description is at: http://tinyurl.com/yqdkx6.

I've looked at this, and it's a dynamic system for preserving spinal motion and elminating bone implants. Promising.