Triangle Spine and Back Care Center

Spinal Procedures

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion - CD Horizon® Sextant™ System

Your Anatomy

The bony vertebrae, which encircle and protect your spinal cord, are separated by shock-absorbing discs. The discs give your spine the flexibility to move. Nerves branching from the spinal cord pass through openings in the vertebrae to other parts of your body. Several of these nerves join at the base of the spine to form the sciatic nerve which runs down your leg.

Back Problems

Some common causes of back problems are degenerated discs disc injury (e.g. hernia ion or rupture), misaligned vertebrae (Spondylolisthesis) or spinal fracture. In disc degeneration, as discs lose their water content because of disease or age, they lose their height, bringing the vertebrae closer together. The consequence is a weakening of the shock absorption properties of the disc, which can lead to back pain and a narrowing of the nerve openings in the sides of the spine, which can lead to pinched nerves (buttock, hip, and leg pain). Wear and tear, poor posture and incorrect body movements can weaken the disc. Spondylolisthesis or fractures can also produce back pain.

Persistent pain in your back and or legs caused by spinal problems can be frustrating because it limits your ability to move and do the things you enjoy. To manage your back problem, you may have followed your doctor’s non-operative treatment plan-rest, medication, physical therapy, and exercise. But, despite your best efforts, the pain won’t go away. Minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery may help relieve your pain.

The Procedure

Spinal fusion is used to restore stability to the spine, correct spinal misalignment, and bridge spaces created by the removal of damaged spinal elements such as degenerated discs. Spinal implants (rods and screws) are used to hold the vertebrae in proper position until the fusion heals. The CD Horizon® Sextant™ System allows surgeons to insert the implants into the posterior (back) side of the spine without the major muscle and tissue disruption necessary for traditional fusion surgeries. Because the implant placement is minimally invasive, the recovery time for the CD Horizon® Sextant™ System procedure is usually much less than required for traditional spinal fusion surgery.

For more information on minimally invasive spinal fusion using the CD Horizon® Sextant™ System see www.medtronic.com.

For a consultation concerning treatment options about minimally invasive spinal fusion, please contact Triangle Spine and Back Care Center at 919-876-7676.