Vertiflex® Interspinous Spacer - N. Y. Spinal Endoscopic

For patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, there are not many treatment options that bridge the gap between conservative care and invasive surgery. However, the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is a minimally invasive procedure that offers patients with LSS many distinct advantages.

The spine undergoes many degenerative changes as a natural result of aging. However, some symptoms may actually be associated with a condition called lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). As it progresses, patients often experience unpleasant symptoms such as leg pain, numbness and cramping and decreased endurance when standing or walking.

Once you’ve received an LSS diagnosis, most doctors opt for conservative measures first and foremost. If this fails to provide relief from adverse symptoms, there aren’t many non-surgical options — that is, until now. The Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is a minimally invasive approach that allows the team at Spine Institute of North America to provide relief to our patients struggling with LSS.

WHAT IS THE VERTIFLEX® INTERSPINOUS SPACER?

The Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is an FDA-approved indirect decompression device that is implanted between the vertebrae to specifically address the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. If you have moderate degenerative LSS and conservative measures are not providing relief, there may not be a need to jump automatically to a surgical solution.

Made of titanium, the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer has an anatomic design that provides optimal fit for a patient’s individual anatomy. It acts as an extension blocker that not only relieves pressure on affected nerves, but it’s also a safe and effective alternative to more aggressive surgical options.

HOW IT WORKS

The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae. Between these are discs that cushion the bones, provide shock absorption and allow the spine to bend and rotate. Lumbar spinal stenosis narrows the space where nerves pass through the spine. Pressure on these nerves can cause pain and damage. Patients often experience relief from their LSS symptoms while sitting, laying on their back or when their feet are elevated.

LSS is accompanied by many painful symptoms, and the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer can be implanted to provide relief. The simple outpatient procedure is generally performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center, and involves the following:

A small incision is made in your lower back.
The Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is an implant that is placed between the vertebrae through a small tube the size of a dime. This reduced tissue damage and blood loss.
The implant holds the vertebrae open, relieving pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal.
When the implant is placed, it has arms or projections, which open and surround the spinous process. This prevents the implant from becoming dislodged.

Patients generally enjoy a rapid recovery time and no destabilization of the spine. Once the procedure is complete, your physician will review some post-operative guidelines and care instructions. This includes limiting your activity levels and caring for your surgical site. Your doctor will also advise you on when you can increase your level of activity.

Benefits Of The Vertiflex® Interspinous Spacer

This procedure provides a number of different benefits, especially when compared to more invasive surgical options. This includes:

Not long after the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is implanted, you should recognize significant improvements, such as: