Silver Cross Hospital First in Will County to Offer Novel, Minimally Invasive Approach to Treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
New Approach Offers Many Patients Fast Relief from Symptoms
Joliet, IL (April 3, 2009) - Cary Templin, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon with Hinsdale Orthopaedics, is the first surgeon in the area to perform a new minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of symptoms due to lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). He performed the innovative procedure on John Carey, 76, of Tinley Park at Silver Cross Hospital in January.
LSS is a narrowing that occurs in the lower part of the spinal canal that carries nerves to the legs. As this space in the lower spine shrinks, the nerves passing through the spinal canal can become irritated, resulting in leg, buttocks, groin and sometimes back pain.
"A good candidate for the X-STOP procedure is someone aged 50 or older whose physical function is moderately impaired by their condition and who experiences relief from pain when bending forward," said Dr. Templin. "Patients typically have medical problems which make the risks of traditional spinal decompressive surgery higher."
The new approach involves implanting an X-STOP® device (titanium alloy) during a minimally invasive procedure that takes less than an hour and can be done under local or general anesthesia. The X-STOP device underwent extensive clinical study and is the first device approved in the U.S. to treat the symptoms of LSS. The procedure has a low complication rate and has been clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of LSS. Because standing upright provokes LSS symptoms, the X-STOP implant is designed to limit extension of the lumbar spine and keep the canal open.
"This new procedure fills the gap in the continuum of care that, until now, required my patients to make the leap from conservative therapies, such as pain management medications and physical therapy, straight to invasive surgery, such as a laminectomy," states Dr. Templin.
A laminectomy involves removing parts of the bone and tissue that are narrowing the spinal canal. It is an open and more invasive surgical procedure that typically requires a longer general anesthetic. This may not be an appropriate option for patients who may be at higher risk with prolonged general anesthesia due to age and other medical conditions.
Patient benefits of the X-STOP IPD include:
- Minimally invasive surgical procedure
- May not require general anesthesia; can be done under a local anesthetic as an outpatient procedure
- Typically no bone or soft tissue removal
- The implant is removable and does not prevent a patient from undergoing laminectomy surgery at a later time should symptoms recur
- Quick recovery time
LSS is on the rise due to the aging American population. Between 1997 and 2004, the number of hospital in-patient diagnoses of lumbar spinal stenosis has increased 46%. In fact, LSS is the most common cause of back surgery in people over the age of 50. Until the X-STOP IPD procedure, LSS patients have not had a minimally invasive treatment available for relieving the symptoms associated with the disease.
