The procedure steps are as follows:
- Patient lays face down on the table
- Physician numbs the incision spot with a localized anesthetic
- A small half inch-inch incision is made to accommodate insertion of a small tube
- Guided by a real-time x-ray. ...
- The Vertiflex implant is inserted between the designated vertebrae
Full Answer
What is Vertiflex procedure for leg and back pain?
When simple activities such as walking or standing become a burden, you may find relief from leg and back pain with the Vertiflex Procedure. What is lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)? Leg and back pain may be the result of a condition called lumbar spinal stenosis.
How long does the Vertiflex procedure take to work?
The Vertiflex procedure can quickly reduce pain within a few days. Until the Vertiflex implant procedure was developed, patients with lumbar spinal stenosis faced living with pain or undergoing major spinal surgery when other treatment options failed.
What is the Vertiflex Superion® implant?
What is the Vertiflex Superion® implant? The Vertiflex Superion® interspinous spacer is a FDA-approved system designed to relieve back pain by restoring the normal space between the vertebrae. Because it is a minimally-invasive procedure, the Vertiflex procedure is a solution for back pain patients for whom medications or injections have failed.
Is the Vertiflex procedure FDA approved?
The minimally invasive Vertiflex Procedure is FDA approved and backed by a long-term clinical study. Over 20,000 patients have received pain relief from the Vertiflex Procedure since FDA approval.
How long will Vertiflex last?
This implant is approved by the FDA and is effective for up to 5 years. This procedure is safe and effective. Not only will you be back on your feet in no time, but you will maintain your range of motion. Vertiflex recovery is very quick.
What is the success rate of the Vertiflex procedure?
84.1% success in function and symptoms at 5 years. > 70% reduction in leg pain at 5 years. 74.7% without reoperation at 5 years.
How long does it take to recover from Vertiflex surgery?
While all patients are different, typically, the doctor will tell you to give your body about 6 weeks to heal from the surgery. During this time, you should take it easy. Most patients can travel and engage in light activity such as walking as soon as they can do so comfortably. You will then begin physical therapy.
What is a Vertiflex implant?
The Vertiflex Procedure uses a small implant (the Superion® Indirect Decompression System) that is placed inside the spine to help prevent reduction of the space when standing or walking. This provides relief by lifting pressure off the nerves to alleviate leg and back pain symptoms that often accompany the condition.
Who is not a candidate for Vertiflex?
You can have some minor instability and scoliosis and still do this procedure. However, if you have a shift >25%, instability of >3mm, Cobb angle >10 degrees, kissing spine, osteoporosis, fracture of spinous process, lamina or pars; you are not a good candidate for Vertiflex.
Does insurance pay for Vertiflex?
Is Vertiflex covered by insurance? Yes, Medicare and Medicaid provide reimbursement coverage for Vertiflex spinal stenosis treatment. It is also covered by other commercial insurance companies.
What are the side effects of the Vertiflex procedure?
There are no side effects but you may experience some pain or discomfort from the procedure for a week or so.
Can you drive after Vertiflex surgery?
Exercise: Increase your light activity, such as walking, as tolerated. Driving: You may drive the day after the procedure if you feel okay to do so. Do not drive if you are taking pain medications.
How many Vertiflex procedures have been done?
Because this procedure is covered by Medicare, it is more readily available to patients. In fact, over 25,000 Vertiflex procedures have been performed.
How many Vertiflex can you have?
The Superion® Interspinous Spacer may be implanted at one or two adjacent lumbar levels in patients in whom operative treatment is indicated at no more than two levels, from L1 to L5 [12].
Can a Vertiflex dislodge?
Though the Vertiflex procedure is considered to be safe and effective, there are risks. In rare cases, the Superion implant could become dislodged or the spinous processes of your vertebrae could fracture when the implant is placed.
What is the newest treatment for spinal stenosis Vertiflex procedure?
Vertiflex Superion is a new procedure developed to treat spinal stenosis. The device is placed rather simply. It is placed delicately between the posterior aspects, or back part, of the spine. It prevents extension of the spine while still allowing flexion.
Who is a good candidate for Vertiflex procedure?
Anyone with lumbar spinal stenosis who is experiencing pain that affects quality of life may be a good candidate for the Vertiflex procedure. Some patients who have been told they need major back surgery such as a laminectomy or spinal fusion may be candidates.
How long do spinal spacers last?
Within two years, about 17 percent of patients receiving spacers needed an additional operation on the lumbar spine, compared to 8.5 percent in the laminectomy group and about 10 percent in the fusion group.
Can you drive after Vertiflex surgery?
Exercise: Increase your light activity, such as walking, as tolerated. Driving: You may drive the day after the procedure if you feel okay to do so. Do not drive if you are taking pain medications.
Who performs the Vertiflex procedure?
The procedure - primarily performed by physicians who treat chronic pain patients with therapies including spinal cord stimulation and radiofrequency ablation - is performed in under one hour.
What is the Vertiflex™ Procedure?
Spine has a canal surrounded by vertebrae through which the spinal cord runs. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition in which there is an abnormal spinal canal narrowing. As the canal narrows, the pressure is placed on nerves. The symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis include:
How is the Vertiflex procedure performed?
How is the Procedure Performed? The Vertiflex procedure is an FDA-approved system that uses a trademarked Vertiflex implant called a Vertiflex Superion interspinous spacer. The procedure steps are as follows: Patient lays face down on the table. Physician numbs the incision spot with a localized anesthetic.
What is the procedure for lumbar stenosis?
The Vertiflex procedure is used primarily to treat patients who have moderate lumbar spinal stenosis. However, any patient with a spinal condition that also involves spinal stenosis could be a candidate. The typical patients who might benefit from the Vertiflex procedure are those the physician believes could benefit from a spinal fusion, people considering major spinal surgery like a laminectomy, and people who are not good candidates for surgery.
What is the best treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis?
The Vertiflex procedure has provided relief for thousands of patients who had given up hope of living without pain. When conventional treatments fail to relieve pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis, your physician may consider the Vertiflex procedure as the best option.
What are the benefits of Vertiflex?
The benefits of the Vertiflex procedure include: 1 Minimally invasive procedure 2 Minimal blood loss 3 Reduced risk of infection because there is no open spine surgery 4 Tissue is moved rather than cut so the healing process is simpler 5 Spine is not destabilized 6 There is a high success rate 7 No hospital stay is required 8 No general anesthesia is required
How long does it take for Vertiflex to work?
The Vertiflex procedure can quickly reduce pain within a few days.
How long does spinal decompression surgery take?
The procedure only takes approximately a half hour. More than one spinal decompression device can be inserted.
How is Vertiflex performed?
The Vertiflex procedure is performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The doctor will first numb the affected area with general anesthesia. A tiny, ½ inch incision is made at the site of the insertion. Guided using real-time x-ray, a small tube about the size of a dime, also called a dilator, is used to move the surrounding tissue out of the way, instead of cutting through it. The dilator gives the doctor a clear path to place the implant between the vertebrae.
How does a vertiflex implant work?
The implant works by spreading the compressed vertebrae apart and holding them in the proper position. Because the Vertiflex procedure restores the space between the vertebrae and where the nerves exit the spine, the pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves can be relieved. The Vertiflex procedure won’t “loosen” the stability ...
What is the Vertiflex Superion® implant?
The Vertiflex Superion® interspinous spacer is a FDA-approved system designed to relieve back pain by restoring the normal space between the vertebrae.
What is the spinal canal?
Inside the spine, there is a channel called the spinal canal. The spinal canal is surrounded by the vertebrae. This canal contains and protects the spinal cord. Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. As we age, the joints of the spine slowly start to break down.
How are wings of an implant adjusted?
The wings of the implant are adjusted open to slowly spread the vertebrae apart, returning them to a natural, pain-free position. The implant is then secured in place, the incision is closed with a single suture, and covered with a band-aid.
What is the tube called that moves the tissue out of the way?
Guided using real-time x-ray, a small tube about the size of a dime, also called a dilator, is used to move the surrounding tissue out of the way, instead of cutting through it. The dilator gives the doctor a clear path to place the implant between the vertebrae.
Is Vertiflex a good spine surgery?
It is also a reasonable option for those who may not be good candidates for spine surgery. Unlike a spinal fusion, the Vertiflex system can restore the disc space on multiple levels, while still preserving the option for future surgery if necessary. "Because it is minimally-invasive, the Vertiflex procedure is a solution for back pain patients ...
How long does the Vertiflex procedure last?
470 patients were enrolled in an Investigational Device Exemption or IDE trial at 29 sites with a 24-month follow-up and annually thereafter through 60 months.
What is the standard of care for lumbar spine stenosis?
Setting the Standard of Care for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS)#N#The Vertiflex Procedure is redefining the treatment of LSS for patients. It provides patients with a clinically proven, minimally invasive solution that is designed to deliver long-term relief from the leg and back pain associated with LSS. This level-one evidence-based procedure is supported by data from patients who reported successful outcomes up to five years.
What is a spacer in a spine?
The spacer preserves the space in the spine, which keeps pressure off the nerves that cause leg and back pain.
Is vertiflex surgery safe?
The Vertiflex Procedure is a safe, minimally invasive treatment that has been clinically proven to provide effective long-term relief from the pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Pain from LSS is descibed as aching, heaviness and fatigue when you stand or walk. Standing and walking "pinch the nerves" in the spine. Once you sit down the spine opens up and the pain goes away. Leaning over a cart while walking also relieves the pain.
How long after a syringe can you lift?
For six weeks following the procedure, limit all lifting, bending, and strenuous activity including: Lifting any weight over ten pounds. Any significant bending of the spine, especially twisting. Performing any strenuous activity such as swimming, golf, tennis, racquetball, running, jogging, or sexual activity.
How long does it take for a surgical site to heal?
These should be kept clean and dry until the first follow-up visit, which is usually scheduled in seven to 14 days following the procedure. Be sure to follow these steps.
Can you go home after a vertiflex?
The Vertiflex Procedure can be completed at an outpatient center so you can go home the same day. We recommend having someone accompany you the day of the procedure. General anesthesia is not required.
