Minimally Invasive Spine Fixation/Fusion (Minute Man)
Minimally Invasive Spine Fixation/Fusion (Minute Man) is a minimally invasive spinal fusion technique that uses a device to stabilize and fix the spine's thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. The procedure is used to treat back or leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, tumor, or trauma.
Here's some information about the Minuteman procedure:
Procedure
A 1-inch incision is made on the side of the body, and a spacer pre-loaded with bone graft material is inserted through dilators. The Minuteman device expands once in place, widening and reinforcing the interspinous-interlaminar space.
Benefits
The Minuteman procedure can reduce pressure on spinal nerves, which can alleviate pain. It's usually an outpatient procedure that takes less than 60 minutes, and patients can often go home the same day.
Cost
The Minuteman procedure costs about $20,000 and is usually covered by health insurance.
Complications
Potential complications include infection, delayed healing, excessive blood loss, injured nerves or blood vessels, and blood clots.
Best for
The Minuteman procedure may be a better option for patients who can't tolerate general anesthesia or traditional fusion surgery.