The Coflex® device is a small titanium implant that is placed in the back of the spine to treat moderate to severe spinal stenosis. There are other devices such as Interspinous Bridge or U-Device based on a similar principle and have some advantages.
You might want to read: What is spinal stenosis?
The surgical procedure
After receiving anaesthesia and preparing for surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back and performs a surgical decompression, which includes removal of bone and soft tissue in and around the spine. This surgical treatment takes the pressure off the nerves that are causing you pain. The surgeon inserts the interspinous device through the same incision until it is secured in the lamellar bone, which is the strongest bone at the back of the spine.
The advantages of Coflex device
1. The Coflex type device is specifically designed to help keep your spine stable after decompression surgery.
2. The Coflex type device also maintains the normal height between the vertebral bones so that the nerves can exit the foramen and extend to the lower limbs.
3. In addition, the Coflex type device does not fuse your vertebral bones, so movement and natural movement are maintained in your spine in the operated area, as well as in the neighbouring parts of the spine. It is strong but simple, and flexible enough to support your spine without having to fuse your bones.
4. The Coflex type device allows your vertebral bones to move in a controlled manner so that the decompressed area does not harden or fuse unnaturally!
Design features
-5 anatomical sizes.
-Instrumentation by color code.
-Titanium Alloy – biocompatible – X-ray visible
-Shaping of the wings to increase primary stability.

Coflex
Dynamic functionality
-In extension movements, the implant is compressed.
-The implant allows flexion.
-It increases rotational stability.
-Center of rotation closed to the spinal canal.
Rear element protection
-Reduction of stress on the articular facets.
-Maintains the height of the foraminal.
Easy to use
-Minimally invasive.
-Easy and precise application.
When is Coflex device indicated?
-Interspinous stabilization with Coflex is ideal in decompressive procedures in case of facet joint osteoarthritis. The implantation of Coflex allows segmented stabilization and control of the movement.
-Coflex is ideal for stabilizing the spine after surgical treatment aimed at neural compression due to mild bone and spinal canal stenosis.
-Coflex interspinous implants are the solution when conservative treatment has failed. Also, when the patients are candidates for a complete laminectomy or to an irreversible procedure as might be fusion.
Day case surgery
At the Harley Street Hospital, we offer Coflex type interspinous spine surgery as day case. This offers multiple benefits for the patient, such as the following:
-The surgery can be done with local anaesthesia. Therefore, the patient can go back home the same day.
– It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced equipment. As a consequence, the size of the skin incision and muscle dissection is minimal.
– We apply special medications to relax the muscles to avoid muscle spasm and pain after the procedure.
– We have a highly-skilled specialist team of nurses and doctors.
– Diminished risk of complications such as deep venous thrombosis, infections on the ward, and other issues related to delayed mobilisation.
-Also, lowered risk of contracting COVID-19 due to shorter hospital stay and extreme precaution measures.
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What is Coflex device?
The Coflex® device is a small titanium implant that is placed in the back of the spine to treat moderate to severe spinal stenosis. There are other devices such as Interspinous Bridge or U-Device based on a similar principle and have some advantages.
What are the most relevant advantages of Coflex?
The Coflex type device is specifically designed to help keep your spine stable after decompression surgery. The Coflex type device also maintains the normal height between the vertebral. It is strong but simple, and flexible enough to support your spine without having to fuse your bones.
When is Coflex device indicated?
Interspinous stabilization with Coflex is ideal in decompressive procedures in case of facet joint osteoarthritis. Coflex is ideal for stabilizing the spine after surgical treatment aimed at neural compression due to mild bone and spinal canal stenosis. Coflex interspinous implants are the solution when conservative treatment has failed.