The Vertiflex Procedure – Innovative Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The Vertiflex Procedure is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis, or LSS. The Vertiflex Procedure involves placing a small implant called the Superion inside the spine. The implant, or spacer, is placed between the spinous processes, which are the bony projections on the back of the spine. Once the implant is in place, it restores the space between vertebrae, relieving pressure from the nerves in the lower back. As a result, it reduces the leg and back pain associated with LSS.
The goal of this outpatient treatment is to give those suffering with lumbar spinal stenosis the comfort and mobility to more fully enjoy their daily lives. This FDA-approved outpatient procedure provides a decrease in symptoms and an increase in physical function, enabling those with LSS to find relief from painful symptoms and upsetting limitations. The Vertiflex Procedure is a simple, safe alternative to invasive surgery. It’s also completely reversible, meaning all other treatment options are still available in the future if needed.
How effective is the procedure?
The Vertiflex Procedure is both safe and effective for long-term pain relief. Most patients experience a reduction in back and leg pain. Based on a study, 90% of patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure after a 5 year period. The same study also showed an 85% decrease in patients using opioids.
In addition to long-term pain relief, many patients begin to experience relief from LSS symptoms shortly after the procedure is performed.
Randomized Controlled Trial
The outcomes were sustained over the 5-year study.
(Boston Scientific: www.bostonscientific.com/en-US/products/indirect-decompression-system/superion-indirect-decompression-system/clinical-data.html)
Who would benefit from the Vertiflex Procedure?
The Vertiflex Procedure is designed for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal passage. When the shape of the spinal passage shifts in this way, it can cause compression of the nerves in the lumbar spine, resulting in lower body pain. This is typically caused by wear and tear as a result of aging, although the condition can affect younger patients as well. Causes other than aging may include:
- Tumor of the spine
- Infection
- Bone disorders that cause bone growth, such as Paget’s disease
- Injury to the vertebrae
- Spread of cancer to the spinal column
- Osteoarthritis
The Vertiflex Procedure corrects this issue by providing space between vertebrae. The implant holds compressed vertebrae further apart to relieve pressure. Once space in the spine is restored, it can help reduce or eliminate leg and back pain that’s associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.
If you are dealing with LSS, you are already aware of the impact it can have on your day-to-day activities. The condition can limit your physical abilities, and you may have trouble walking far or find yourself needing to lean forward to relieve pressure on your lower back. After the procedure restores the space in your spine to a natural, healthy state, symptoms such as pain, weakness, and numbness are reduced. This will allow you to regain the ability to do what lumbar spinal stenosis prevented you from doing, and you will be able to move more freely without worrying about pain or restrictions.
You may be a candidate for the procedure if your doctor has diagnosed you with lumbar spinal stenosis, or if you’re experiencing the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. The symptoms of LSS can include:
- Pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs, calves, or buttocks
- Decreased ability to do physical activities
- The pain improves when sitting, lying down, or bending forward
- Cramping in the calves while walking, requiring frequent rests
- Pain radiating into one or both thighs and legs
You may consider The Vertiflex Procedure if the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis are interfering with your daily life. It’s an effective option when medications or injections have failed to alleviate symptoms. It’s also worth considering if you aren’t a candidate for more invasive surgery.
If left untreated, LSS can worsen over time and cause the spinal canal to narrow excessively. This can constrict the nerves in the back and legs, resulting in additional pain or discomfort, as well as decreasing mobility. At that point, more invasive surgery may be recommended.
How is the procedure done?
The Vertiflex Procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that is done by placing a small implant, the Superion, inside the spine. During the procedure, the patient lies face down on their stomach, and the surgeon will numb the area with general anesthesia. The surgeon will then make a small incision in your lower back. After that, a small tube that’s about the size of the dime is used to move surrounding tissue out of the way, giving the surgeon space to place the implant.
Once the implant is in place, the wings of the implant are adjusted to carefully spread the vertebrae apart. The implant is then secured in place and the incision is closed. This procedure normally takes between 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of implants being inserted (one to two at a time).
Unlike more invasive surgeries, no hospital stay is required after the procedure. Another benefit is that complications are also rare. The Superion is made of titanium alloy, so some people do have a small risk of having a reaction to the metal.
After the procedure, you may experience soreness, but recovery is relatively quick. Make sure to keep the incision site clean and dry. For about 6 weeks following the procedure, you will need to limit strenuous activity. This includes lifting, bending, and twisting. Some examples of what to avoid include running, swimming, or tennis. Light activity such as walking or light exercise is normally allowed. Every patient is different, so it’s important to always carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.
Treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis.
If painful lumbar spinal stenosis is impacting your daily life and you’re interested in the Vertiflex Procedure to alleviate symptoms, contact us. At Anesis Spine & Pain Care, we offer The Vertiflex Procedure, and we can also help you decide whether the procedure may be right for you. Call and schedule a consultation with one of our providers to learn more about your options.