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X-Stop^® IPD System

For Spinal Canal Stenosis

The pathology of spinal stenosis is due to a combination of the size of the spinal canal, degenerative change within the discs and facet joints. Typically patients gain relief by forward flexion postures such as sitting or squatting.

The development of an interspinous process distraction (IPD) system such as X-Stop^®, allows the treatment of this condition without invading the spinal canal. The IPD system is inserted at the base of the spinous processes after distraction of the spinous processes. It can be performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthetic.

      

The insertion of the IPD system involves the typical exposure needed to approach the back of the spine at the affected level. The device provides distraction and stabilisation of the affected segment and includes plates which grip either side of the spinous processes. The approach and interspinous distraction is familiar to competent orthopaedic spinal surgeons.

The operation which has been suggested to you is to remove pressure and irritation from the nerve. Pressure can cause loss of function of the nerve such as weakness in the muscles of your leg or loss of feeling. Irritation of the nerve gives pain.

The reason for having the operation is that the problem (pain, restriction of your activities etc) is so severe and has not improved in an appropriate time frame with non-operative treatment.

Surgery to decompress the nerves has been the usual treatment and is called a laminectomy. This allows removal of the various structures that may be narrowing the space for the nerve include the facet joints, shape of the bone, disc and ligaments. The extent of the decompression is determined by the pre-operative tests such as an MRI scan.

Often the nerve is particularly adherent or compressed by the surrounding structures and needs to be mobilised (or freed up). This is called rhizolysis. If there is a need to stabilise the spine as well, a spinal fusion may be undertaken at the same time.

The use of the IPD system allows the treatment of spinal stenosis with a simpler technique which allows more rapid mobilisation and discharge from hospital.