What Is an InterSpinous Spacer?
The Vertiflex Superion® interspinous spacer by Boston Scientific is a small, FDA-approved device to relieve back pain and repair spinal stenosis. This revolutionary treatment reduces the need for major surgery or fusion.
What Do InterSpinous Spacers Treat?
Vertiflex Superion© treats lumbar spinal stenosis, which happens when the spinal canal in the lower back narrows and puts pressure on the nerves. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar spine, which is in the lower back.
Common symptoms of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis are:
- Back pain
- Leaning forward, such as on a shopping cart, to alleviate pressure caused by compression of the spine
- Cannot stand or walk for long distances
- Have weakness, numbness, or tingling in their legs, often without pain
How Does the Procedure Work?
A patient will lay on their stomach and receive general anesthesia to prevent them from feeling pain and discomfort. An incision is made on the lower back and the spacer is inserted between the two vertebrae that are causing pain. The device slowly opens, pushing the vertebrae away from each other, thus relieving pressure on the nerves.
What Are the Risks?
The minimally-invasive Vertiflex procedure is considered to be low risk; however, the device can become dislodged or move out of place. Additionally, all surgeries have risks such as infection or blood loss.
Benefits of InterSpinous Spacers
After the procedure, many patients experience very quick relief. By preventing the cause of their pain directly, interspinous spacers can provide a new and better life for patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis.
Boston Scientific has conducted randomized controlled trials and found the following results:
- 66% improvement in back pain
- 75% improvement in leg pain
- 85% opioid use reduction
- 90% satisfaction rate
For more information on the Vertiflex Superion procedure, visit Boston Scientific’s site at https://www.pain.com/en/chronic-pain-solutions/vertiflex-procedure/living-with-vertiflex.html