Interspinous spacers are small, wedge-shaped devices that serve as a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Back pain is a common ailment that plagues millions of people worldwide, and it can severely limit one’s daily activities. Interspinous spacers are a relatively new technology that has been developed to help alleviate this pain. These devices are designed to be implanted between the vertebrae in the spine to increase the space between the bones and relieve pressure on the nerves.
By increasing the height of the intervertebral foramen, the interspinous spacers alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves and provide relief from the symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis, such as back pain, leg pain, and numbness. Additionally, interspinous spacers allow for a quicker recovery time and a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional spinal fusion surgery. Although there have been concerns raised about the long-term effectiveness of interspinous spacers, many studies have shown that these devices can provide significant pain relief for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis without the risks associated with more invasive surgical procedures. In conclusion, interspinous spacers serve as an effective and minimally-invasive alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Interspinous spacer implantation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and other spinal conditions that cause leg pain, numbness or weakness. The procedure involves the insertion of an implant between two adjacent spinous processes to decompress the spinal canal and relieve the pressure on the nerve roots. The indications for interspinous spacer implantation include patients with LSS who have failed conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and epidural steroid injections. The procedure is also useful for patients who are not good surgical candidates for spinal fusion due to various reasons such as age, medical comorbidities, or financial constraints. The implantation can be done under local anesthesia and does not require extensive hospitalization or recovery time. The procedure has been shown to provide significant improvement in pain, function, and quality of life for patients with LSS. However, it is important to note that the selection of patients for the procedure should be done carefully, and the benefits and risks of the procedure should be discussed thoroughly with the patient. In conclusion, interspinous spacer implantation is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of LSS and other spinal conditions, and it can be considered as an alternative to more invasive surgical procedures for the appropriate patients.
Interspinous spacer surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that is commonly used as a treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. However, like any surgical procedure, interspinous spacer surgery can have complications and a prolonged recovery period. Complications can include infection, nerve damage, and implant migration. In a study conducted by Deyo et al. (2013), it was found that 6% of patients who underwent interspinous spacer surgery experienced implant migration, which can lead to further complications and the need for revision surgery. In addition to complications, recovery after interspinous spacer surgery can be prolonged and may require physical therapy and rehabilitation. A study by Deyo et al. (2013) found that only 61% of patients who underwent interspinous spacer surgery were able to return to work within six months. Patients who undergo interspinous spacer surgery should be aware of the potential complications and the need for a prolonged recovery period. It is important for patients to discuss these factors with their healthcare provider and to have realistic expectations about the recovery process.
In conclusion, interspinous spacers are a medical device that is used to treat spinal stenosis and relieve lower back pain. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting the device between the spinous processes of the vertebrae to create more space in the spinal canal. This procedure is typically performed on older adults who have degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. While the procedure is generally safe, there are some risks of complications, such as infection or nerve damage. Recovery time after the procedure can vary, but most patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks. Overall, interspinous spacers can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from lower back pain caused by spinal stenosis.
Research
- RA Deyo., BI Martin., ANA Tosteson., JG Jarvik.”Interspinous spacers compared to decompression or fusion for lumbar stenosis: complications and repeat operations in the Medicare population.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3855445/
- “Survivorship of coflex interlaminar-interspinous implant.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1935981009700088
- “Interspinous process spacers.” https://journals.lww.com/jaaos/fulltext/2007/04000/interspinous_process_spacers.3.aspx