Vertiflex® Interspinous Spacer in Valencia, CA and Lancaster, CA
Dr. Thomas Nasser is a leading Pain Management and Doctor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Nasser is also the Medical Director at Palmdale Regional Medical Center Acute Rehabilitation Institute, Embassy Surgery Center, and Antelope Valley Care Center. Dr. Thomas Nasser has been treating lumbar spinal stenosis (LLS) in the Antelope Valley since 2007. LLS is a condition in which the lower spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal nerves in the lower back.
Dr. Nasser treats “the whole person” not just the symptoms. By evaluating the impact of a condition on the person as a whole (medically, socially, emotionally and vocationally), he helps his patients understand and take control of their health.
One procedure that has high clinical success in helping patients suffering from LLS in the Antelope Valley is The Vertiflex® interspinous spacer. This procedure is a minimally invasive approach that allows the team at AVORS Medical Group provide relief to our patients struggling with LSS.
For patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, there are not many treatment options that bridge the gap between conservative care and invasive surgery. However, the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is a minimally invasive procedure that offers patients with LSS many distinct advantages.
The spine undergoes many degenerative changes as a natural result of aging. However, some symptoms may actually be associated with a condition called lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). As it progresses, patients often experience unpleasant symptoms such as leg pain, numbness and cramping and decreased endurance when standing or walking.
Once you’ve received an LSS diagnosis, most doctors opt for conservative measures first and foremost. If this fails to provide relief from adverse symptoms, there aren’t many non-surgical options — that is, until now.
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If you believe you might be a candidate for the Vertiflex Procedure, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you experience pain or weakness in your back, buttocks, or legs when you stand or walk?
2. Do you use a cane, walker, or shopping cart to move around more comfortably?
3. Do you frequently need to lean or bend forward, or sit down to find relief?
4. Do you want to find an alternative option to lumbar surgery?
If you answered yes to any of the four questions above, you may be a candidate for the Vertiflex Procedure.
Call AVORS Medical Group to schedule your consultation at 661-726-5005.
The Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is an FDA-approved indirect decompression device that is implanted between the vertebrae to specifically address the symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis. If you have moderate degenerative LSS and conservative measures are not providing relief, there may not be a need to jump automatically to a surgical solution.
Made of titanium, the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer has an anatomic design that provides optimal fit for a patient’s individual anatomy. It acts as an extension blocker that not only relieves pressure on affected nerves, but it’s also a safe and effective alternative to more aggressive surgical options.
The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae. Between these are discs that cushion the bones, provide shock absorption and allow the spine to bend and rotate. Lumbar spinal stenosis narrows the space where nerves pass through the spine. Pressure on these nerves can cause pain and damage. Patients often experience relief from their LSS symptoms while sitting, laying on their back or when their feet are elevated.
LSS is accompanied by many painful symptoms, and the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer can be implanted to provide relief. The simple outpatient procedure is generally performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center, and involves the following:
- A small incision is made in your lower back.
- The Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is an implant that is placed between the vertebrae through a small tube the size of a dime. This reduced tissue damage and blood loss.
- The implant holds the vertebrae open, relieving pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal.
- When the implant is placed, it has arms or projections, which open and surround the spinous process. This prevents the implant from becoming dislodged.
Patients generally enjoy a rapid recovery time and no destabilization of the spine. Once the procedure is complete, your physician will review some post-operative guidelines and care instructions. This includes limiting your activity levels and caring for your surgical site. Your doctor will also advise you on when you can increase your level of activity.
This procedure provides a number of different benefits, especially when compared to more invasive surgical options. This includes:
- Minimal blood loss
- Reduced operating time and hospital stay
- Streamlined procedure
- Reduced risk of infection
- Maximized patient safety
Not long after the Vertiflex® interspinous spacer is implanted, you should recognize significant improvements, such as:
- Reduced leg pain and other symptoms
- Marked improvement in function
- Increase in the number of activities you can participate in
Post Operative Instructions
Becoming active again!
Always follow your doctor’s instructions about activity restrictions and how to increase light activity such as walking. Be careful and avoid too much activity too soon.
For six weeks following the procedure, limit all lifting, bending, and strenuous activity including:
Lifting any weight over ten pounds
Any significant bending of the spine, especially twisting
Performing any strenuous activity such as swimming, golf, tennis, racquetball, running, jogging, or sexual activity
Patient Testimonials
Clinical References
1. Nunley PD, Patel VV, Orndorff DG, Lavelle WF, Block JE, Geisler FH. Five-year durability of stand-alone interspinous process decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis. Clin Interv Aging. 2017;12:1409-1417. (N = 88)
2. Nunley PD, Deer TR, Benyamin RM, Staats PS, Block JE. Interspinous process decompression is associated with a reduction in opioid analgesia in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. J Pain Res. 2018;11:2943-2948. (N = 107)
3. Tekmyster G, Sayed D, Cairns KD, Raso LJ, Kim C, Block JE. Interspinous Process Decompression With The Superion Spacer For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Real-World Experience From A Device Registry. Med Devices (Auckl). 2019;12:423-427. (N = 368)
