Interspinous spacers

Who needs them?

This device is used to treat lumbar canal stenosis at one or two levels. Patients with this condition typically complain of leg and/or back pain on walking or standing. It is a condition which usually comes on in later life, presenting commonly in patients in their late 60s onwards.

How is it inserted?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and typically takes less than half an hour. The patient is usually asked to lie on their forny or side during the procedure and to curl up into as tight a ball as possible. A small incision is made at the affected area and the tissues on either side of the spinous processes are cleared. This allow the insertion of the device into the space between the spinous processes in such a manner so as to distract them by the desired amount. The wound is then closed.

X-rays of two level X-stop procedure

What is the recovery like?

The back is a little sore afterwards, but most patients can go home the same day and are up and about on their feet almost immediately.

What are the risks?

There is roughly a one in seven chance that it will not adequately distract the bones and therefore the symptoms will persist. This may require re-operation. There is a risk of infection, which is low and, if the bones are too weak, the risk that the procedure may have to be abandoned if the bone tends to give way.

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