Vertiflex Specialist

What is Vertiflex Superion?

Vertiflex Superion is a minimally invasive procedure to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. It is the only minimally invasive class one evidence-based treatment of its kind. 

Through the implantation of a small device, Vertiflex Superion works to hold compressed vertebrae apart, which in turn relieves pressure on affected nerves. For patients experiencing pain from lumbar spinal stenosis, this procedure offers an effective, non-surgical way to get relief. 

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces in the spine narrow, putting pressure on spinal nerves. When this narrowing occurs in the lower back, it is known as lumbar spinal stenosis. The pressure on the spinal nerves can cause back pain, numbness or tingling in the feet or legs, weakness in the feet or legs, and cramping in the legs while walking or standing. 

Common causes of spinal stenosis are the natural degeneration of discs due to aging, herniated discs, bone spurs, tumors, and spinal injuries.

What should I expect from a Vertiflex Superion procedure?

In this procedure, a small, dime-sized device is implanted in the spine to restore space between vertebrae and to relieve pressure on affected nerves. This device is implanted through a small tube and works by holding the compressed vertebrae apart. It acts as an indirect decompression device and as an extension blocker to relieve pressure on affected nerves. 

The procedure to insert this device is an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. Patients return home the same day. Other than some soreness at the site of the incision, there should be no other discomfort following this procedure. There will be a few stitches at the site of the incision (often about an inch), which need to be kept clean for seven to 14 days. The incision is closed with a plastic surgery technique. The sutures are dissolvable. 

Most patients begin to feel a significant reduction in pain in the first few days following the procedure. The results of the FDA trial of this device show that it resulted in patients having a significant reduction in symptoms and a marked improvement in function. Further, it had a clinical efficacy durable to 60 months. 

Am I a good candidate for Vertiflex Superion?

Conservative treatment plans for spinal stenosis generally include physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Patients experiencing lumbar spinal stenosis pain that is not resolved through conservative treatments are often a good candidate for this procedure. 

Dr. Glaser is one of only a few doctors in the Los Angeles area doing this cutting-edge treatment. If you are experiencing pain as a result of lumbar spinal stenosis, schedule a consultation today. Through tests and an examination, Dr. Glaser will determine whether this treatment is right for you.

To learn more about Vertiflex Superion, call Glaser Pain Relief Center or request a consultation online today.