Vertiflex Superion Q & A

What is Vertiflex Superion?

Vertiflex Superion Indirect Decompression System is a cutting-edge treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis. The Superion is an option to consider when conservative therapies have failed to control your pain, and before you think about surgery.

The Superion effectively relieves your symptoms by decompressing your spine. Rather than getting decompression surgery, your doctor at Optimal Pain & Regenerative Medicine® performs a minimally invasive procedure to implant the device between vertebrae.

What should I know about lumbar spinal stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal in your lower back. Several health conditions can lead to this condition, including a herniated disc, thickened ligaments, degenerative disc disease, and bone spurs caused by facet joint arthritis.

These conditions can protrude into the spinal canal, restricting the amount of space, and pushing against the nearby nerves. As a result, you develop symptoms such as lower back pain, pain radiating down your leg, and tingling or numbness along the affected nerves.

How does Vertiflex Superion work?

Each vertebra has a bony projection called the spinous process that sticks out like a fin from the back of the spine. The Vertiflex Superion implant is designed to fit between the spinous processes of two vertebrae.

After inserting the Superion, two wing-like attachments open. Each wing has a U-shape that fits around the spinous processes of the vertebrae above and below the device.

The Superion holds the two bones apart, restoring the opening of the spinal canal and relieving pressure on the nerves.

What should I expect during the implant procedure?

Implantation of the Vertiflex Superion is an outpatient procedure done under fluoroscopic guidance, which is a specialized X-ray that allows your doctor to see your spinal structures as they insert the device.

Your doctor at Optimal Pain & Regenerative Medicine® makes one small incision and gently separates the muscle fibers using a series of tubes that gradually stretch the tissues. As a result, the procedure does not involve cutting muscles or connective tissues.

When the opening in the muscles is about the size of a dime, your doctor inserts the Superion implant through a hollow tube and positions it between two spinous processes. As soon as the device is in place, and the wings deployed, the procedure is complete.

To learn if you’re a good candidate for the Vertiflex Superion, call Optimal Pain & Regenerative Medicine® or schedule an appointment online.