March 1, 2023

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery

Living with chronic back or leg pain that keeps you from doing the things you love can be frustrating. The source of your chronic pain may be lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a condition caused by a narrowing of spaces in your spine. The nerves surrounding your spine are compressed, causing pain, especially with movement. This narrowing can be a regular part of getting older, but thankfully, there are options other than living with debilitating pain. The most effective treatment with the fastest recovery time and longest-lasting results utilizes Coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® Technology.

What is Coflex?

The Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization Technology is a unique surgical implant used to treat spinal stenosis. It stabilizes the spine without restricting natural movement, like other treatment methods like spinal fusion surgery. It is made of a single U-shaped component crafted from a high-quality medical titanium alloy. When placed in the spine, the Coflex device rests on the bones between the vertebrae and compresses when the spine extends to provide stability.

What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, specifically in the lumbar region. The spinal cord and nerves lie within the spinal canal, and when it becomes narrower, it puts pressure on these structures.

The symptoms and severity of lumbar spinal stenosis vary, but patients usually experience numbness, pain, and weakness (or loss of feeling) in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. These symptoms may worsen when walking or standing for extended periods and often improve when sitting or bending forward. Physical exertion can be challenging, and bladder or bowel dysfunction and decreased sexual ability may occur in severe cases.

Early diagnosis and proactive lumbar spinal stenosis treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent further deterioration. Without intervention, the condition may worsen, leading to more severe pain, increased limitations in daily activities, and potential nerve damage. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

What Causes Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

The natural wear and tear of aging and degenerative spine conditions are the most common cause of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Over time, the spinal discs between the vertebrae lose moisture and become less flexible, decreasing disc height and stability. The degeneration of facet joints can cause the growth of bone spurs that narrow the spinal column. The ligaments that hold the spine together may thicken and stiffen with age, contributing to the narrowing of the spinal canal.

Osteoarthritis breaks down the cartilage in the facet joints, leading to inflammation and the growth of bone spurs that impinge on the spinal canal. Degenerative disc disease involves the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs, which can result in disc herniation or bulging, reducing the space available for the spinal cord and nerves.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis include:

• Advanced age
• A family history of the condition
• Repetitive spinal movements or heavy lifting
• Chronic diseases such as arthritis or obesity
• Narrow spinal canal
• Injury or previous spinal surgeries
• Bone diseases, arthritis, or tumors

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing proper body mechanics, and seeking early treatment for associated conditions can help promote spinal health and reduce the likelihood of developing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

If you're considering Coflex or another motion-preserving procedure for spinal stenosis, chat with us to find a spine surgeon who offers this technology.

How is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing lumbar spinal stenosis involves thoroughly evaluating symptoms, physical examinations, medical history assessment, and imaging techniques. Your healthcare provider will assess your range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensation in the affected areas. Considering pain progression, severity, and location while noting any activities that worsen or alleviate symptoms is vital in diagnosing the root cause. X-rays provide a basic overview of the spine's structure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans offer detailed images of the spinal canal, nerves, and soft tissues. Computed tomography (CT) scans provide cross-sectional spine images, providing additional information about bony structures and the spinal canal.

Combining physical examinations, a thorough medical history, and imaging techniques allows healthcare professionals to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis accurately. This diagnosis is crucial in determining the most appropriate treatment plan, whether it involves conservative measures (such as physical therapy or pain management) or surgical intervention, such as Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization surgery. A thorough and precise diagnosis sets the foundation for effective management and relief of symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Coflex Surgery vs. Spinal Fusion: What's the Difference?

Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization surgery and spinal fusion are different surgical procedures to reduce the symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis surgery involves the insertion of a specialized Coflex device to provide stability and support while preserving natural motion. Spinal fusion involves permanently using bone grafts or implants to eliminate motion at the affected segment of vertebrae.

Coflex device surgery offers several advantages over spinal fusion for mild to moderate cases. It preserves motion in the spine, allowing for a more natural range of movement than fusion. It is a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time and reduced risk of complications. Spinal fusion may be needed in cases of severe instability or deformity.

When considering Coflex surgery or spinal fusion, your surgeon will address several factors, including the severity of spinal stenosis, spinal instability, the patient's age, overall health, and lifestyle, all critical considerations. The surgeon's expertise, recommendation, and the patient's preferences and goals should also be considered. Patients should have an open and detailed discussion with their healthcare provider to understand the benefits, limitations, and potential risks associated with each procedure.

Are There Risks to Coflex Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization surgery carries risks and complications. While rare, these risks can include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. There is also a slight possibility of implant failure or migration, which may require additional surgery. Additionally, there is always a risk of general surgical complications, such as wound healing issues or allergic reactions to medications.

Certain factors can increase the risk of complications with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis surgery with the Coflex device. These include preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, smoking, obesity, or a history of prior spine surgeries. Additionally, individual anatomy or spinal pathology variations may affect the surgical outcome. The healthcare provider must thoroughly evaluate the patient's medical history, perform necessary tests and assessments, and identify potential risk factors that may influence the surgery's safety and effectiveness.

Patients should openly and honestly discuss the potential risks and complications associated with Coflex surgery. Open communication with the surgeon is vital in ensuring patients have realistic expectations, are well-informed about the potential risks, and can actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

What To Expect on the Day of Surgery

Before your Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization Surgery, your healthcare team will give you instructions to prepare for the procedure. They will explain guidelines on fasting, medications, and expected recovery time. It is essential to follow these instructions closely to ensure a smooth surgical experience. You will likely need someone to accompany you to the hospital and assist you after the surgery.

On the day of the Lumbar Spinal Stenosis surgery, the medical team will admit you to the hospital or surgical center and guide you through the necessary paperwork and preparations. Once ready, you will go to the operating room, where the surgical team will monitor your vitals and answer any last-minute questions. Once you've received anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision in the area of your spine. They will carefully remove any tissue or bone compression in your spine and then insert the Coflex implant. The Coflex device will be secured, your incision will be closed, and a sterile dressing will be applied.

Recovering from Coflex Surgery

After your Lumbar Spinal Stenosis surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area and closely monitored as you wake up from anesthesia. Your healthcare team will provide pain management strategies and instructions for post-operative care. Your vital signs and pain will be monitored until you are ready for discharge. They will also provide post-operative instructions for pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions. You will need assistance with daily activities initially, and it is crucial to follow the healthcare provider's guidance regarding pain management and medication usage. Typically the procedure is done on an outpatient basis and you will be discharged a few hours after your surgery.

Physical therapy is crucial to recovering from Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization Surgery. Physical therapy may include exercises, stretching, and other activities to improve core stability and promote proper spinal alignment. The duration and intensity of physical therapy will vary depending on individual factors, and your physical therapist will monitor your progress closely.

The recovery timeline after the placement of a Coflex device varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. The initial recovery phase involves rest and gradually increasing activity levels as tolerated. Most patients can resume light activities within a few weeks, but it may take several months to recover fully.

Your recovery will be unique, so it's essential to listen to the body's signals, report any concerns to the healthcare provider, and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled. By actively participating in the recovery process and following a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, patients can optimize their chances of a successful recovery and regain functionality and quality of life.