X-STOP placement is a procedure in which a special piece of hardware (the X-STOP) to provide relief to patients suffering from spinal stenosis (compression). Unlike other treatments available, the X-STOP is not a fusion device, or a type of replacement disc. Rather, it fits into the spine at the position where the patient is experiencing narrowing of the spinal canal or pressure from a herniated disc, and prevents the patient from bending too far backward, but does allow forward bending. It was designed as an alternative to spinal fusion. For more information about X-STOP placement, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. Call Call407-303-5452 to make an appointment to discuss your options.
Who Benefits from X-STOP Placement?
X-STOP is an acronym for Interspinous Process Decompression System®. This titanium device is installed on the back of the spine in the specific location where stenosis is present. However, it’s not the right solution for everyone. Some patients will benefit from other procedures, including laminectomy/laminotomy or a microdiscectomy.
In addition, patients must be over the age of 50 and have significant pain in the groin, buttocks or leg from stenosis. They must also have completed a minimum of six months of nonsurgical treatment with no lessening of symptoms. Additionally, the stenosis can be present at a maximum of two levels only. Patients with severe osteoporosis cannot use this treatment, and those with a spinal deformity that would make installation of the X-STOP impossible are also not eligible.
How Does X-STOP Placement Work?
It’s important to understand that this procedure is a minimally invasive surgery, although it requires a two to three-inch incision on the back, and most patients will need general anesthesia so they are not conscious during the surgery. Once the incision is made, the X-STOP is placed under the ligament and between the spinous processes (the bony plates on the vertebras) at the point where stenosis has been diagnosed.
The procedure itself is relatively short, shorter even than that required for a laminectomy or a laminotomy. It usually lasts no more than an hour, and most patients are sent home the same day. Walking is also encouraged the day of surgery, as it can help speed the recovery process and facilitate better healing.
Recovery will take between two and six weeks, depending on your body’s healing process. In addition, most patients will not be allowed to lift anything over 20 pounds during the recovery and healing time. Strenuous exercise/activity is also not recommended during this period. However, most patients will not need prescription pain medication after the surgery to manage pain.
Is It Right for You?
To determine if X-STOP placement is the right solution for your spinal stenosis, you will need to undergo a full consultation with Dr. Chetan Patel. Through a series of imaging techniques, Dr. Patel will determine the extent of your condition and whether any existing conditions preclude you from this treatment.
For more information about X-STOP placement or other treatment options for spinal stenosis, contact Dr. Chetan Patel. Call AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health at Call407-303-5452.