Vertiflex Interspinous Spacer Specialist

What is the Vertiflex interspinous spacer?

The Vertiflex interspinous spacer takes a cutting-edge approach to treating lumbar spinal stenosis using minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Carlson inserts the Vertiflex interspinous spacer into your spine using a slender endoscopic tube. He needs to make only a small incision for the endoscope rather than a large cut as he would with traditional spinal stenosis surgery.

Due to the reduction in tissue damage when using the Vertiflex interspinous spacer, the procedure offers significant advantages over open surgery, including considerably less pain and much faster healing.

There's also a reduced risk of postoperative complications and less chance of spine destabilization using the spacer.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is the term for a narrowing that can occur in your spinal canal. The most common causes are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Bone spurs
• Herniated discs
• Thickened ligaments

Inside your spinal canal is your spinal cord, which sends nerves out to serve the rest of your body. When you have spinal stenosis, the already limited space for your spinal cord narrows further, putting pressure on one or more of these spinal nerves.

This is most likely to happen in the lower (lumbar) spine, causing pain that spreads into your buttocks and legs. Numbness, weakness, cramping, or stiffness can also develop, depending on the function of the compressed nerves.

Spinal stenosis may affect your ability to walk if it's very painful, while sitting and leaning forward ease the pressure and provide some relief.

How does the Vertiflex interspinous spacer work?

The Vertiflex interspinous spacer works by making room for the pinched nerves. Dr. Carlson fits the spacer in between the vertebrae, relieving the compression and alleviating your symptoms.

Having a Vertiflex interspinous spacer fitted has much the same result as sitting and leaning forward in reducing the pressure on your spinal nerves, an effect known as indirect decompression.

You could experience relief from your spinal stenosis symptoms for up to five years, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to spinal surgery. The Vertiflex interspinous spacer is available in a range of sizes, so Dr. Carlson can accommodate the different spinal anatomies of most patients.

If spinal stenosis is causing you pain and affecting your mobility, find out whether you're a good candidate for the Vertiflex interspinous spacer implantation procedure. Call Hawai'i Pain & Spine to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.