New Surgery Implant for Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which increases pressure on the nerves and can cause pain and numbness. It is a common spine disorder that affects an estimated half a million Americans, most of whom are over the age of 50 years old. There are a number of treatment options, ranging from physical therapy to pain medications to spinal stenosis laser surgery. However, a new treatment option is being researched and is still being tested in humans now. This experimental device is being labelled the “Superion Interspinous Spacer.”
The Superion Interspinous Spacer is currently meant to aid lumbar (lower back) spinal stenosis. To insert the device, a doctor will make a small incision in the lower back, and then clear the affected area of the spine. The device is then fixed between the posterior (back side) bony structures of the vertebraes. After that, the incision is closed up and the procedure is done. The way this spacer works is that it maintains adequate space between adjacent vertebrae, which ensures that the forament won’t shrink and pinch the nerves. The process of installing the Superion spacer is a minimally invasive surgery, and should not require a lengthy recuperation period.
This interspinous spacer study is still in the experimental stages, and is expected to run test trials into 2011. However, the future of this device looks to be like a promising new way to treat spinal stenosis. If you want to learn more about the clinical trials with the Superion Interspinous Spacer, go to http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ for more information.
