Vertiflex Interspinous
Stabilization

When spinal stenosis develops, it can put pressure on nearby nerves. This, in turn, can lead to pain, stiffness, and symptoms that include numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs.

A spine stabilization device can help decompress the nerve, providing relief.

Non-surgical spine stabilization is available under the name of Vertiflex. Vertiflex received FDA approval in 2015 for their Superion Interspinous Spacer System, which is a minimally invasive spinal spacer device. In a clinical trial, over half of all participants were showing favorable results 24 months after having the spacer inserted. Patients have reported a 79% decrease in leg pain at the 48-month point.

This option is considered more conservative than surgery. Because a smaller incision is used, patients experience less tissue damage, less blood loss, faster healing, and less chance of infection.

The Vertiflex spacer is inserted under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

During the procedure, a cannula roughly the size of your thumbnail is used to implant the device. The Vertiflex is considered the least invasive option for this sort of spinal decompression. It is also currently the only implant of its kind available. Implantation is a fully reversible procedure.

You will most likely have a few staples or stitches at the location where the Vertiflex device is implanted. These will probably be removed at a follow-up appointment one to two weeks after surgery.

For the first 72 hours, do not take baths or soak the incision site. Avoid scrubbing the area. The incision can be washed daily with soap and water. The bandage should be changed once a day or whenever it gets wet.

For six weeks after the procedure, it’s important to rest. Avoid strenuous activity that includes:

• Lifting items over 10 to 15 pounds
• Bending or twisting
• Strenuous activity that includes running, swimming, or sexual activity

Light activity, such as walking, should be gradually increased as long as it’s well tolerated. Every person’s physiology is different; if your doctor gives you different or additional instructions, it is important to follow them for proper healing.

Vertiflex is recommended for people who are suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis that has not been relieved by more conservative methods. Your spine has openings along it that allow nerves to exit. When those openings become more narrow, nerves can be pinched or compressed.

Symptoms of this condition can include:

• Numbness or weakness in the legs or buttocks.
• Cramping in the legs.
• Stiffness.
• Pain in the lower back, groin, legs or buttocks.
• Difficulty standing or walking. Pain may be relieved by sitting.

Spinal stenosis is most common in people over 50. It often occurs as a complication of osteoarthritis of the spine. Other conditions that can cause spinal stenosis include:

• Tumors
• Herniated discs
• Trauma
• Paget’s disease

Some individuals are born with spinal stenosis or with diseases that contribute to it. These individuals may experience the onset of spinal stenosis symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50. While there is no cure for spinal stenosis, therapies like non-surgical spine stabilization can reduce pain and help you increase your mobility.

Are you suffering from back or leg pain? We can help. Clearway Pain Solutions Institute brings together a range of healthcare professionals with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating pain. Call for an appointment today.