Spinal Procedures

X-STOP® Interspinous Process Decompression (IPD®)


Anatomy of the Spine

Your spine consists of a column of 24 bones called vertebrae that extend from your skull down to your hips. Between the vertebrae are discs of soft tissue. The vertebrae join together like links in a chain, providing support for your head and body while the discs act as cushions, or “shock absorbers.” X-Stop In addition to providing support, the spine encloses and protects a cylinder of nerve tissues called the spinal cord. The spinal cord is surrounded by a bony channel called the spinal canal. Normally there is space between the spinal cord and the borders of the spinal canal so that the nerves are free and are not pinched.

As we age the ligaments and bone that surround the spinal canal can thicken. This thickening results in narrowing of the spinal canal, which is called “spinal stenosis.” The spinal cord and nerve fibers that exit the spinal canal (nerve roots) become crowded and pinched due to this narrowing. This results in pain and numbness in the back and legs.

Treatment Options

Once a diagnosis of spinal stenosis is confirmed, the process of treating the condition usually begins with a regimen of non-invasive, “conservative” therapy.

There are a number of ways a doctor can treat stenosis without surgery, including:

  • • Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain, and analgesics to relieve pain.
  • • Corticosteroid injections in the epidural space (so-called "epidural steroid injections, ESI") to reduce swelling and treat acute pain that radiates to the hips or down the leg.
  • • Rest or restricted activity.
  • • Physical therapy and/or exercises to help stabilize the spine, build endurance and increase flexibility.

While some patients obtain relief from symptoms with these treatments, others do not.

What is the X-STOP® Device?
X-Stop

The X-STOP® IPD® Implant is a titanium metal implant designed to fit between the spinous processes of the vertebrae in your lower back. It is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments in your back. The oval spacer fits between the spinous processes and the wings are designed to prevent the implant from moving.

What is X-Stop® IPD® Procedure?

The X-STOP® IPD Procedure is a surgical procedure in which an implant, called the X-STOP® IPD Implant, is placed between two bones called spinous processes in the back of your spine.

X-Stop

With the X-STOP® IPD® Procedure there is no removal of bone or soft tissue. The X-STOP® IPD® Implant is not positioned close to nerves or the spinal cord, but rather behind the spinal cord between the bony spinous process.

The procedure may be performed in either the operating room or special procedures room at the hospital. This can be done under either general anesthesia or local anesthetic. With the help of X-ray guidance, the X-STOP® IPD® Implant is inserted through a small incision in the skin of your back. You will be placed on your side during the procedure so that you can bend your spine when the X-STOP® IPD® Impant is inserted. The procedure to insert the X-STOP® IPD® Impant typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour-and-a-half. Patients can typically go home either the same day, or after an overnight stay.

To view Dr. Lestini performing this surgery please click here.

For more information on the X-STOP® IPD Procedure visit www.kyphon.com.

For a consultation concerning treatment options about the X-STOP® IPD Procedure, please contact Triangle Spine and Back Care Center℠ at 919-876-7676.


All images provided by Kyphon Inc.

Triangle Spine & Back Care Center is the longest standing orthopedic practice in Raleigh, NC that focuses solely on spine and back care with a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at its helm. William F. Lestini, MD, provides operative and non- operative treatments for all spinal conditions.