Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition that develops in the spinal canal of your lower back when the canal is narrowed, putting pressure on your spinal cord. This pressure can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in your back, legs, and feet.
While lumbar spinal stenosis can be a debilitating condition, it is treatable. For people who suffer from moderate to severe spinal stenosis, surgery can be a great treatment option when nonsurgical methods have not worked. Coflex surgery is one such option that can not only help alleviate pain, but also maintain full range of motion in the spine, unlike traditional surgeries that may require fusion.
What Is the Coflex Device?
Coflex surgery is a neurological procedure that implants a titanium alloy device, known as the Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization device, in the back of your spine to relieve pain or numbness in the back, legs, or buttocks from spinal stenosis.
The Coflex device itself is a U-shaped, strong, and flexible piece of titanium alloy. The device is inserted between two adjacent lower back bones immediately after surgical decompression of the affected vertebrae has been performed.
The flexibility and strength of the Coflex device allow it to support your spine without the need for spinal fusion, maintaining your spine’s full range of motion. This incredible device can come in five different sizes in order to meet the anatomical needs of the patient.
Who Is a Candidate For Coflex Surgery?
Spinal surgery is not something to be rushed into. First your doctor will recommend that you try nonsurgical treatment options, such as pain medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections, before you can be considered as a candidate for Coflex surgery.
If nonsurgical options have not provided substantial relief to your symptoms after six months and pain still persists, then you can be considered for surgery. You will also need to have a confirmed diagnosis of spinal stenosis from a medical doctor to qualify for the coflex device.
Most surgeons favor patients that are 40 years of age or older, as you must have reached full skeletal maturity. Other criteria surgeons look for include:
- No prior lumbar fusions
- No pregnancy
- No lumbar disc herniation needing concurrent surgery
- Moderate to severe lumbar stenosis
Why you should get CoFlex Surgery
Coflex Surgery has emerged as a cutting-edge solution for patients grappling with spinal stenosis and lower back pain. Unlike traditional lumbar fusion surgeries, Coflex Surgery offers a minimally invasive approach, reducing the typical surgical and recovery times for patients. By inserting the Coflex device, which is a specially designed, U-shaped titanium implant, between the spinous processes, it ensures spinal stability while preserving the natural movement of the spine. One of the standout advantages of opting for Coflex Surgery is its potential to reduce post-surgical complications and enhance overall spinal function. Additionally, with a reduced need for bone grafting and hardware as compared to spinal fusions, Coflex presents fewer risks of adjacent segment degeneration. For those seeking a modern and efficient solution to spinal issues that comes with the promise of quicker recovery and retained flexibility, Coflex Surgery stands out as an optimal choice.
How is Coflex Surgery Performed?
The Coflex Procedure
This procedure is a non-fusion, minimally-invasive alternative to laminectomy with or without spinal fusion. Preparation Anesthesia is administered and the patient is positioned. A small incision is made in the lower back.
Accessing the Spine
An opening is created through the ligaments at the rear of the spine. The surgeon can now access the spinous processes, the bony protrusions on the back of the spine, of the problem vertebrae.
Preparing the Implant Site
Some of the bony overgrowth of the spinous process may need to be removed for the implant to fit properly. A small portion of one or more lamina may also need to be resurfaced.
Implanting the CoFlex™
Using fluoroscopic guidance, the Coflex™ implant is inserted through the incision and placed between the spinous processes.
End of Procedure and Aftercare
In many cases, the patient will be able to return home the same day or after an overnight stay. The surgeon will determine the length of the stay in the outpatient center and will guide the post-operative recovery.
Coflex Facts and Figures
- 94% of patients were satisfied with the outcome of their Coflex Procedure
- 93% of patients would recommend the surgery to other patients
- 90% of patients get early pain relief after the surgery before (6 weeks)
- 88% of patients get long lasting relief
- Coflex surgery takes 36% less time than a Spinal Fusion
Coflex Surgery Compared To Spinal Fusion
A common question is how does Coflex surgery compare to spinal fusion? While spinal fusion may be the right option for some patients seeking treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis, it can have its downfalls when stacked up against Coflex surgery.
One of the main advantages to Coflex surgery over spinal fusion is preservation of motion. Often with spinal fusion range of motion is lost in the treated and adjacent segments of your spine. However, Coflex surgery can preserve a significant range of motion in the treated area.
But that is not the only advantage Coflex surgery offers over spinal fusion. In clinical studies comparing Coflex surgery to spinal fusion, patients receiving Coflex surgery experienced:
- More immediate pain relief in the back and legs
- Less blood loss
- Less operating time
- Fewer days in the hospital
- Speedier recovery times
What To Expect After Surgery?
One of the benefits when considering Coflex surgery is a shorter stay in the outpatient center and recovery time. Most patients that underwent Coflex surgery where released within 24-48 hours. Some patients have even been able to return home within the same day as their operation.
Following surgery, it is likely that you may be prescribed a physical therapy regimen to help aid recovery. If physical therapy is prescribed it is important to follow your therapist’s and doctor’s instructions to avoid any potential complications.
Some patients may also be prescribed pain medication to help alleviate any pain associated with the surgery. Fortunately, a large number of patients experienced significant pain relief within 6 weeks of undergoing surgery.
Your surgeon will most likely ask you to come in for at least one follow-up exam to determine your progress and let you know if you are ready to resume normal activities. It is important to follow the directions and advice provided by your surgeon following surgery to ensure a smooth speedy recovery.
Another thing to keep in mind when getting the Coflex surgery is you will have a metal implant in your body. This can affect X-rays, MRI scans, and metal detectors. Talk to your surgeon about getting a patient ID card in the event that this becomes an issue.
As with any surgery, there are inherent risks, though they are rare. Your provider will discuss these with you prior to surgery.
