After performing a vertebral fusion, there is an increase in the load on the upper disc that causes its early degeneration, in the same way after a discectomy we have a disc that has herniated and therefore is not a healthy disc.
Interspinous spacers have been designed to try to reduce the pressure of these discs.
What is an interspinous spacer?
It is an implant that is placed in the interspinous processes, its function is to distract the vertebrae and thus tighten the ligaments and try to regain disc height. It also serves to reduce the pressure on the spreading intervertebral disc.
The interspinous spacers will increase the diameter of the lumbar canal, and of the vertebral foramen, allowing to increase the channels through which the nerve roots pass.
When is an interspinous spacer used?
Discectomy after bulky hernia: After a bulky hernia, we will have a disc unable to perform its function, an interspinous separator can help by reducing the pressure that the disc has to withstand.
Degeneration of the adjacent disc: The disc adjacent to a spinal fusion takes more pressure, an interspinous spacer will relieve that pressure. They are useful when the adjacent disc is in the early stages of degeneration.
Canal stenosis with intermittent claudication: In older patients (over 60 years), who would not endure a surgical intervention and who suffer from canal stenosis.
Canal stenosis is a narrowing of the lumbar canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots. The main cause is degenerative. Instability can also lead to secondary canal stenosis.
Generally, the patient reports pain in the legs, difficulty walking, even tingling or cramping in calves. They do not usually have back pain. Compression of the cord and roots is slowly progressive. It usually goes seasonal but in severe cases, the pain in the legs becomes intense even at rest. Conservative treatment, either with analgesics and physical therapy, are effective in mild or moderate cases. Infiltrations can generate momentary relief that can last from a few days to a few months. However, the only effective treatment is the decompression of the affected segment.
An interspinous spacer by tightening the ligaments and increasing the disc height increases the diameter of the lumbar canal, reducing stenosis.
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At the Harley Street Hospital, we have highly specialised surgeons to perform interspinous spacer spine surgery. Book an appointment to get a checkup.
Book an appointment to get a checkup.
What is an interspinous spacer?
It is an implant that is placed in the interspinous processes, its function is to distract the vertebrae and thus tighten the ligaments and try to regain disc height. It also serves to reduce the pressure on the spreading intervertebral disc.
When is an interspinous spacer used?
In cases of discectomy after bulky hernia, degeneration of the adjacent disc and canal stenosis with intermittent claudication.
What is canal stenosis?
Canal stenosis is a narrowing of the lumbar canal, compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots. The main cause is degenerative. Instability can also lead to secondary canal stenosis.