Over the past few years, X-STOP implant surgery has emerged as a promising, less invasive way to treat spinal stenosis and reduce the pain of living with this condition. Instead of physically correcting the vertebral deformity behind spinal stenosis, X-STOP surgery installs a small implant along the affected vertebrae, limiting their motion to a more safe and painless range. If you are concerned about or unable to undergo a more invasive procedure, X-STOP surgery may be the right choice to improve your comfort and mobility.
Relieving Stenosis Pain Through the X-STOP Implant
The titanium implant used in X-STOP surgery is attached to the vertebrae that have narrowed and are, as a consequence, pinching your nerves when you move. This implant typically still allows you to bend forward, but it limits your ability to stretch backward. This effectively prevents you from over-extending your spine and causing pain as a result. For many patients, this small correction can significantly reduce pain levels without requiring further surgery.
Understanding X-STOP Surgery
You may be feeling a little squeamish about having an implant surgically integrated into your spine, but the procedure is relatively minor compared to other treatment options. It can be performed under either local or general anesthetic and does not involve accessing or removing your spinal nerves. Instead, the implant is attached to the bony protrusions that jut out of each affected vertebra by a spinal surgeon. Once the operation is done, patients are typically able to go home the same day.
Comparing X-STOP to a Traditional Laminectomy
Your other primary option when dealing with spinal stenosis is a laminectomy, which involves removing part of your vertebrae to give your nerves more space. This is obviously a much more involved process, and you may also need a spinal fusion or to have a herniated disc removed while you are under anesthesia. You will also have a longer recovery time before you are able to lift, pull and work as you are accustomed. If your X-STOP implant is not adequately minimizing your pain, you can still undergo a laminectomy later.
Determining Your Eligibility
The X-STOP surgery is best for patients who experience moderate pain and stiffness from their stenosis or for patients who are too elderly or otherwise at risk to undergo more major surgery. However, conditions like titanium allergies, osteoporosis or widespread spinal stenosis may disqualify you. If you have been living with spinal pain for years and nothing seems to relieve the pain, talk to your doctor about whether or not you are eligible for X-STOP surgery and its prospects for improving your daily quality of life.
For more information, talk with a professional spine surgeon, such as those at The Advanced Spine Center.
Share13 April 2016
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