Vertiflex Pros and Cons

The medical device known as Vertiflex is utilized to ease the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). LSS is a disorder that develops when the lower back's spinal canal gets smaller and the nerves that pass through it become compressed. This can result in a variety of symptoms, including pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs and buttocks.

Vertiflex is intended to alleviate the symptoms of LSS by supporting the vertebrae and expanding the spinal canal. The device is a tiny, implanted spacer composed of a unique, soft, and flexible material. It is positioned on the back of the vertebrae, in between the spinous processes, which are bony protrusions. This aids in maintaining the spacing between the vertebrae and minimizes nerve compression.

It usually takes less than an hour to complete the Vertiflex procedure because it is so minimally invasive. The majority of patients can return home the same day after the procedure is completed under local anaesthetic. Many LSS patients have reported substantial symptom reduction following the implantation of the device, which is designed to be a permanent remedy.

Pros

When it comes to dealing with lumbar spinal stenosis, the minimally invasive Vertiflex technique is your best bet. The key advantages of the Vertiflex Superion device are a minimally invasive technique with a short recovery period, the availability of several sizes to accommodate a variety of body shapes, and the provision of a non-surgical treatment alternative that is safe and effective. Also, the Vertiflex method does not call for a hospital stay, has very little blood loss than other surgical procdures,, and aids in maintaining some spinal flexibility. The little metal implant functions as a spacer and has 2 protrusion along both the upper and lower halves that latch firmly to the surfaces of the vertebrae on the exterior portion of the spine (the spinous processes). This creates more space for nerves, enabling patients to stand and walk with greater ease.

Cons

Although the Vertiflex technique has its benefits, it does come with a few drawbacks. One study found evidence of an infection that developed after the procedure. Another drawback is that, like Vertiflex, another well-liked interspinous process spacer called X-Stop was pulled off the market because of a high rate of adverse events. If your lower back discomfort is being caused by inflamed nerves, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy may make your symptoms worse.

FAQ's

Who is a candidate for Vertiflex?

Vertiflex is a good option for people with low back and leg pain caused by 1-2 level lumbar stenosis who have tried conservative treatment and epidural steroid injections without success and are not surgical candidates or do not want to have surgery. Patients with mild to severe lumbar spinal stenosis are the most common candidates for the Vertiflex surgery. The Vertiflex Procedure is not appropriate for people who have cauda equina syndrome.

What is the success rate of Vertiflex procedure?

There is a high rate of success with the Vertiflex method. One study found that after 5 years, the treatment had an 84.1% rate of success in terms of function and symptoms, with over 70% improvement in leg pain and 74.7% without reoperation. According to another study, five years after the treatment, 90% of patients were still happy with it. However, 11.1% of Vertiflex patients in one controlled study had fractures of the spinous process that had not healed. 

How long does Vertiflex procedure take?

Depending on whether you require a single implant or two, the Vertiflex treatment lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Several patients experience relief right away. Although it usually takes 6 weeks for a person to fully recover, you can start doing modest activities as soon as you feel ready. The FDA has given the implant its approval, and it works for up to 5 years. Leg and back discomfort brought on by lumbar spinal stenosis can be effectively treated with the Vertiflex Procedure, a straightforward, safe, and minimally invasive procedure (LSS).

Where is the Vertiflex procedure performed?

The Vertiflex procedure is normally carried out in a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. The majority of the time, local anaesthetic is used, keeping the patient awake but numbing the area that is being operated on. The average time to complete the treatment is under an hour, and the majority of patients are free to leave the same day.

The precise location of the treatment may vary based on the patient's unique medical requirements, the accessibility of nearby medical facilities, and the healthcare provider carrying out the procedure. To make sure you are comfortable and aware of what to expect, it is crucial to go through the specifics of the treatment with your healthcare professional and to ask any concerns you may have before it.

Who performs Vertiflex procedure?

Health professionals that specialise in treating chronic pain using methods like spinal cord stimulation and radiofrequency ablation are the most common practitioners of the Vertiflex technique.