Superion InterSpinous Spacer for Spinal Stenosis
If you or a loved one is living with spinal stenosis, your doctor may have mentioned a treatment called Superion InterSpinous Spacer. While the name sounds intimidating, it’s actually a minimally invasive procedure that has a high success rate with reducing symptoms for many patients. Today our team of pain doctors near Hendersonville NC (locations also in 14 additional Asheville area locations) will be sharing more specifics about this treatment. Read on to learn more.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the passageways in the spine. The narrowing puts pressure on your nerves and spinal cord and can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and/or weakness in the leg(s) or legs and back. This can occur due to aging or specific developmental changes.
How a Superion InterSpinous Spacer Procedure May Help
The Superion InterSpinous Spacer (also known as the Superion Spacer) is a fully reversible, minimally invasive procedure. It is a small, H-shaped device made of a titanium alloy which is designed to decrease the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. Because these symptoms arise as a result of nerves being compressed, the spacer – quite literally – creates a healthy amount of space.
The device is implanted between two adjacent vertebrae in the lower back where it lifts and separates the bones. In addition to lifting and separating, it also limits movement at the location where the device is placed. In addition to providing relief, this procedure also allows the motion in the lower part of the spine to be maintained, unlike with a fusion.
What to Expect
Prior to having the Superion Spacer procedure, your doctor will provide his or her patient with a thorough physical examination, discussion of the patient’s health history and be sure to document any past or ongoing treatments. Once it is determined that this procedure is a good fit for the patient, it will be scheduled. Here is what to expect on the day of the procedure:
Patient begins face down on the operating table
Medicine is administered to make the patient more comfortable and to numb the area that will be worked on
An incision or tube is used to access the specific vertebrae beneath the skin
Guided by a fluoroscope, the spacer is placed between spinous processes of the vertebrae
The arms of the spacer are expanded to create the appropriate amount of space
The incision is closed and covered with a bandage
Following the procedure, you will be monitored closely to ensure there are no issues. After a short time, your pain clinic Hendersonvillespecialist will allow you to return home. He or she will also provide you with recovery tips prior to leaving.
Recovery & Complications
Patients are well cared for during the recovery process, including regular follow-up visits and supportive therapeutic recommendations for enhanced pain relief as needed. Because the Superion InterSpinous Spacer is considered a minimally invasive procedure, the number of possible complications is small. That list includes the following:
Allergic reaction
Device malfunction
Migration/movement
CSF Leak
Fracture
Be sure to notify a member of your care team if you notice any significant changes in your pain levels or condition following the Superion Spacer procedure. Your doctor will give you specific information as to what to look for based upon your own unique condition and symptoms.
Pain Clinic Hendersonville
Our pain management doctors in Asheville are accepting new patients. We welcome patients with back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic pain, arthritis, shingles, autoimmune diseases, joint pain, headaches, migraines and more. You don’t have to live in pain – we can help! Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our 15 convenient Asheville area locations.