X-STOP Placement for Spinal Stenosis

X-STOP refers to the Interspinous Process Decompression System, a specially designed piece of surgical instrumentation that is used in treating certain patients with spinal stenosis and/or a slipped disk. An alternative to spinal fusion, this device is positioned on the back of the spine to prevent the patient from bending backward in that area without hampering forward-bending capability. While not all patients will be good candidates for this procedure, those for whom other, nonsurgical treatments have failed to provide relief over a six-month period, those aged 50 and above, and those whose stenosis is located in a maximum of two levels may benefit from X-STOP. The procedure takes only about an hour to perform and patients are usually able to return home on the same day. They are also able and encouraged to walk within hours of the operation being performed.