Vertiflex Superion Interspinous Spacer: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Cured

If standing or walking causes pain, weakness or fatigue in the legs, you're probably suffering from lumber spinal stenosis or LSS. As you stand or walk, the lumbar curvature becomes more pronounced, the spinal nerve more crowded, and the back and legs more painful.
The aim of the Superion spacer is simply to hold the spine in the same open and neutral position as when sitting.
You are a candidate for this simple outpatient procedure if the following are true:
1) you suffer from neurogenic claudication from spinal stenosis: increased pain and tiredness in the buttocks or legs with walking that is relieved with sitting.
2) you have 2 or fewer levels of severe stenosis in the spine
3) the main level is not at the L5-S1 level
4) you want to avoid back surgery or a laminectomy or a fusion.

[@SunShine-dm8gy]

This works great!!! My husband had immediate relief upon completion of the vertiflex implant procedure. So simple! Yet so effective. It’s been 3 years, still no spine or leg pain! Don’t have spine surgery for spinal stenosis done with all it’s complications (like going back to have more vertebre done) without being assessed for the Vertiflex Superion spacer! We had it (one spacer) done in Shorewood, Wisconsin, out patient. One hour at most.

[@suzique6924]

What was aftercare needs? No brace or band? Is he still doing well thank you

[@kerimbalaban610]

Hi there, could you please let me know which doctor? I live around Wisconsin.

[@durwoodeverett9202]

Did your insurance company pay for this😮

[@tammyfrancis410]

I had it done on Jan 24th, 2023. I was having spasams for 2 full weeks straight, no sleep...getting countless steroid shots to fix the pain temporarily...i did go under anesthesia, woke up with no spasams. I've been walking great. Of course, im still sore, but it's a 6 week recovery time. Like any surgery. No bending, twisting, lifting... I am on my painfree recovery !!

[@jhk88rph]

@Tammy Francis: where did you start looking into the procedure and ultimately where was it performed?

[@tammyfrancis410]

I am a patient of AZ Pain Doctors Pain Management. Glendale, Az. They recommended the procedure, and I had it, As of today still pain-free. 😁

[@ilovelabs503]

This is great to hear since I’m scheduled to have my surgery in about a week. There are sooooo many negative reviews on here (KZbin) and up till I started researching reviews, I had been anticipating this procedure, really looking forward to it, bc living like this at 55yrs old, is ridiculous. My stenosis has gotten increasingly worse and it’s getting to the point where even sitting I STILL have leg pain, shooting spasms constantly. I like to be a active and this has progressively taken me to a stop, cane/walker.

[@SunShine-dm8gy]

My husbsnd had this done. Works perfectly! Don’t consider spine surgery with all it’s typical com

[@kerimbalaban610]

can you please tell which doctor?

[@lizgil7323]

If this has such great success why is it not used widely?

[@Liz_678]

I have RA and spinal stenosis. RA under control. I could hardly walk. The pain going from buttocks to ankles was horrible , like major “ouch”. My RA Dr recommended shots of cortisone The Dr ( pain specialist) who did it was great. The shots did not hurt at all , however, they didn’t last. I did much research on my condition and this spacer procedure. I just had the surgery this week. I needed 2 spacers so I was put out. (It was an out patient procedure). Very professional team! When I woke and left there was zero pain walking! My lower back is recovering and is very sore, but better every day. I am 72 and Medicare approves this. I say this so no one is scared to have it done and living pushing a “grocery carriage” to walk !

[@wportermcroberts]

Thanks so much for sharing your personal experience. ITs very important to hear from patients!

[@StayPositive-sd8op]

My PMD talked to me yesterday at my appointment. He wants to evaluate the area next week to see of I'm a candidate for this since I have a fusion l5-s1 about 5 years ago.. How limited were you and for how long say to pick up weight.

[@Liz_678]

@@StayPositive-sd8op The excruciating pain went away immediately. Lower back was sore for 3 days. Ice helped more than meds. You can’t lift over ten pound for at least 6 weeks. I was in pain for 2 years so my muscles were shot. Been going to PT and they are getting back in shape. No more bending over a shopping cart to walk😂. It has been 6 weeks. The Dr I went to has done over 300 of these. I had Superion spacers.

[@StayPositive-sd8op]

@@Liz_678 I work in a grocery store so I'm gonna have weight limitations it sounds like if I get it done

[@Liz_678]

@@StayPositive-sd8op yes you will but ask them about light duty. You can get cortisone injections. I did for a few months. With some people injections can last a long time. Mine didn’t. Talk to your Dr. He will do tests and tell you how bad it is and options. My pain was getting so bad….I had a hard time walking. Do talk to your Dr.

[@Nwfloridacompany]

Not sure if my problem can be solved or relieved by this procedure it does make a lot of sense Have minor bulging disc L4,L5 not a lot but enough to pinch my nerves and it seems can not find a permanent solution to this issue please help Thanks

[@rosspearson9103]

I've had severe lumbar stenosis since '06, looking forward to this procedure.. want to see what it's like to walk again !

[@wportermcroberts]

Interestingly, after treatment for lumbar Spinal Stenosis LSS, walking tolerance dramatically increases and distance climbs even years after the surgery. Best of luck!

[@azcanuck3131]

Have you had the procedure? Was it successful?

[@dimitlakis]

What about mri scans,? Is metallic,so no more mri for u...

[@aquawoman2]

No anesthesia??!!! YIKES!!! My anxiety is too high for that! My heart is racing just thinking about it.

[@profoundclarity8497]

my surgeon did a laminectomy and cut away bone spurs but maybe this was the better option...cause after 3 years later its slowly coming back....

[@waynegourlay]

Thankyou got that I will be looking into this very soon😮

[@user-cu2os9kf2k]

How can I find out if this procedure is done in South Africa as information on Google is confusing

[@Spyderdaddy]

I was playing tennis 5 times a week, before I got lower lumbar spinal stenosis. After the Vertiflex Superion Interspinous Spacer Surgery will I again be able to play tennis at a moderate level of competition?

[@kayteegray6112]

i have sciatica thinking bout doing this

[@steveroberson5147]

This sounds exactly like my problem. I have had lumbar fusion and I also have a spinal cord stimulator. My back pain is modestly better but my legs continue to worsen. Can I have this done even though I have the fusion?

[@brianlew9559]

How does this compare ro Limiflex? They just passed the clinical trial and FDa approval.l, and seem to have a more "fixed" banding method. However there's more hardware in that system, and perhaps more complex?

[@izatrini439]

Great informative video. So here's a question for you. Would it be wise to continue my very physical job after this procedure?

[@hongyingchen6426]

I have a Grade 1, L4 - L5 spondylolisthesis, my symptoms is exactly as what you said in the video, do you think is this treatment good for me? Thanks 🙏

[@valeriabrach2470]

I have pain while sitting, walking, standing,sleeping....would this work for me?

[@shannonlove9176]

My dr wants to do the traditional surgery and I don’t want this because I have to work. I wish I could have this surgery. That would be awesome!

[@wportermcroberts]

Keep in mind, traditional laminectomy is one of the few lumbar spine surgeries that has a high percentage of good outcomes, AND Vertiflex isn’t the best for every situation. L5/S1 stenosis for example doesn’t respond well to Vertiflex. Ask you Dr. why Vertiflex isn’t an option. there may be very valid reasons. Best of luck!

[@zephyronfire3821]

Oh my word, this looks amazing! *Doctor, can you tell me if this is available in Alberta, Canada? I know that laminectomy is covered here, but that’s about it and this to me, makes safer, better sense. I am a 53 year old female & for years, have had a lack of feeling in the side of my left leg/glute/back. There is something with the L5, S1, but only the chiropractor I see has the x-ray. *I also have C5/6, 6/7 stenosis (severe on left, moderate on right). *Would putting this in the L5 area help with this leg numbness and furthermore, would this possibly even help alleviate the upper cervical pain & numbness? I can’t help but think of a hose that has been stepped on and so I wonder about the upper cervical area that is so bad on me as well. I do know about disc replacement, but I wonder if there is a technique that you have for minimally invvasive for the neck as well! TY and God Bless the work your are doing to help so many with this debilitating problem! ❤️

[@ahiredman]

What keeps this device in place?

[@torydz]

It would be nice if they sold these spacers at Harbor Freight along with the book "Vertiflex Superion Interspinous Spacers for Dummies". Seriously, I have lumbar stenosis from L2-L5 and I go to a neurosurgeon next week. I WILL ask him about this.

[@wportermcroberts]

Good Luck. I'll be very curious to hear what the neurosurgeon says. Sadly, probably not nice things. Subsidence risk, "I've taken a lot of those things out because they don't work...." The reality is spacers work wonders for the gross majority of patients, and thank goodness we have neurosurgeons when they don't.

[@joeeastwood3795]

I think walmart has them now buy two get two free.

[@kerimbalaban610]

hi there man, any updates?

[@DrPhillipMcCracken]

Check McMaster-Carr, they might have them and the book in stock. Harbor freight would sell cheaper knock off 😅.

[@durwoodeverett9202]

Is this something that the insurance company will pay for

[@wportermcroberts]

Medicare will. Most others no. It’s been FDA approved for around 10 years. Medicare “disadvantage” plans generally don’t, even though they are mandated by the government to do so.

[@StayPositive-sd8op]

What's the cost of having this done

[@danhoffman2591]

The real problem is the guys putting these devices into you are only pain management specialist "NOT NEUROSURGEONS!" These companies don't check these anesthesiologist qualifications they'd sell one of these things to a dog groomer for a buck. In my case I had a guy who said he'd fix me by implanting a pain pump into me- he also said he was a neurosurgeon, then a surgeon and all he was is a anesthesiologist- he fixed me alright- 17 times in the ER & 4 times in the cardiac ward and had a to have a pacemaker put in. I'm now recovering two spinal surgeries , 1st one was 10hrs and the 2nd one was for over 1 hr from a great neurosurgeon.

[@jcaleca60]

Wow I'm really sorry that happened to you I'm getting ready to go for a laminectomy L4 L5 was looking into this something less invasive

[@nyacoustics8373]

Quack drs like that should be put in jail! Total neglect and incompetence .

[@stevehall8227]

After the initial 4 to 6 week restriction of 10 pounds, are there any long-term limitations? My work involves moving heavy things and picking up heavy stuff. So basically is there a lifetime limitation on lifting some weight, like 50, 75 or 100 pounds?

[@SpiritMover314]

Good question.

[@portermcroberts412]

The answer is nuanced. The more one uses and loads the spine after the procedure the higher the chance of subsidence. Or wearing of the implant into the bone. However one of the best things about Vertiflex is that it essentially burns no bridges. Barring complications one can essentially go on and have further surgery if needed without limitation. It may never fail. And if it does most folks have all the other options still available. Talk to your Doc,

[@markmason862]

Does Medicare and Medicaid cover this procedure?

[@wportermcroberts]

Yes they do.

[@ericktippett4158]

These 'spacers' work well for a period of time, but after a few years I have seen reports of the pressure from standing and walking causing fractures to form in the bone vertebrae in that area causing other problems to develop. Has anyone else taken note of this phenomenon?

[@wportermcroberts]

There is a ying to every yang. Spacers are not perfect for certain, and indeed there exists a slightly increased risk of fracture, especially in this disease state with concomitant severe osteoporosis. But measured against the risk of increased disability, diminished walking ability, and all the attendant co-morbidities associated with spinal stenosis, as well as the risk of the competitive treatments such as laminectomy and fusion, the spacers do present a real option for a good sub-set of folks. The very presence of spinal stenosis increases fragility, and increases the risk of day to day living to a significant degree.

[@andreamatosic1577]

I have spinal stenosis and myelopathy and lumber radiculopathy I have had 5 operation on my spine including a laminectomy L2-L5 but still have the problem when walking and my specialist did tell me that more surgery will not help me can this spacer give me some relief thanks.

[@wportermcroberts]

The spacer sadly cannot be used in a situation of laminectomy. However several other minimally invasive options may exist depending on your anatomy. It's worth reviewing your spine MRI and discussing. There are indeed other options.

[@larrywade69]

Had it done worked pretty good

[@larrywade69]

I'm having complications

[@larrywade69]

I'm better, slept wrong

[@5salh]

هذا غير موجود فى مصر كل الأطباء يزيلون الصفيحة العظمية ويفضلون الشرائح والمسامير هنا

[@5salh]

this does not exist in Egypt. All doctors remove the bone plate and prefer Slides and screws here

[@wportermcroberts]

Happy to come and train doctors in the beautiful country of Egypt! I went to Kuwait several years ago.

[@5salh]

@@wportermcroberts ذلك ممتاز منك انك طبيب محترم واتمنى ان تأتى لمصر

[@javadusk9721]

Is this procedure available in Qld Australia? This is the answer to my pain

[@wportermcroberts]

Sadly No. Not from my understanding.

[@stevescontriano860]

I sure wish I could meet you. I fell off a ladder fractured my L3. I had a kyphoplasty. I had an ablation of the L2 L3 L4 and L5. It didn’t help. I had a facet block before that and I took the pain away for one day. I have level seven pain continually. I have tremendous energy drain. No pain in my lower legs. It’s isolated around the L3 on the left side. I went to a surgeon and he said he couldn’t do anything unless I had pain going down my leg. I don’t know what to do. Do you think your procedure would help me

[@altbob]

When will they have this for the cervical spine, I wonder. I would think the major impediment there is twisting. Come to think of it, the lumbar twists as well, does it not? How does this affect the ability of the spacer to remain in place? Concerned about how the spacer might move - such as with a golf swing or a kayak roll. Care to comment?

[@wportermcroberts]

Not available for the cervical spine. However, facet fusion is. You're correct, there can be problems with twisting, and more active folks likely should have more robust spacing. In these patients, spacer and fusion such as achieved with a minuteman l-tat is likely the better choice. Rare that folks with neurogenic claudication and spinal stenosis are rolling kayaks though! Golfing would be a great achievement. And not a ridiculous aim.

[@iotanb1772]

Hi Doctor, Would this not be recommended for people doing high intensity resistance training? Why is it not possible for cervical discs…

[@wportermcroberts]

No. Not recommended for those doing high energy intensity training. It is Not FDA approved for the cervical levels. The anatomy is inappropriate for such a device.

[@iotanb1772]

@@wportermcroberts thanks for the quick reply. Would you recommend endoscopic laser surgery?

[@MarkHouston-ec8fk]

is this a better option than the Minuteman?

[@wportermcroberts]

Yes for the super frail, and those that want the most minimally invasive. Less stable however than the minuteman.

[@javadusk9721]

How much does this procedure cost?

[@wportermcroberts]

around 12000 for the surgery.

[@ctek5489]

I had this surgery two years ago,. L4/L5 (lumbar) hemilamenectomy/partial medial facectomy and foraminotomy with micro-diskectomy. Would I be a candidate? Its hard to walk without pain.

[@compubyte2010]

IS this a substitute for Coflex?

[@felipesamano8060]

Is this recommended for l5S1 disc herniation? I've had 3 epidural shots in 2 years

[@redwhiteblue9866]

I have pain that goes away when I sit . I also have numbness in my mostly left foot that doesn't go away when I sit. This procedure seems like the answer to me I don't want major surgery. Is the numbness in my foot not going away when I sit and indication that maybe this isn't for me ?

[@wportermcroberts]

Fantastic question. And yes, possibly so. But there may be other issues that explain the foot, for which there may be good solutions. The MRI is everything.

[@juliehillebrand3920]

Can this be done on patients with multiple bulging discs. Or just for arthritis/ degenerative disease

[@wportermcroberts]

Great Q. It's really for neurogenic claudication from spinal stenosis. If folks have leg tiredness and pain associated with walking, it can indicate lumbar spinal stenosis, which is then treated quite well with this approach.

[@juliehillebrand3920]

What kind of doctor/ surgeon does this procedure are you as incapacitated as in back surgery. Can you take of yourself at home on your own.

[@me77you]

What keeps the "inserts" from falling out, folding back up or repositioning?

[@wportermcroberts]

Great Question. The arms or flanges that unfold slide under ligament when we deploy them. And so they are essentially tethered in place. It’s not impossible for them to move, it’s just very uncommon. Once the surgery scars down then it’s exceedingly rare.

[@johndsmith7785]

Great question and explanation

[@me77you]

@@wportermcroberts Thank you for your informative response, I appreciate it. I'm supposed to see a surgeon in the near future so that helps me knowing what you explained.

[@danhoffman2591]

They are held in place by stitches

[@danhoffman2591]

@@me77you Do not let a guy named Michael Esposito touch you. Because of his alternate lifestyle you're more than likely to end up with an STD then him ever fixing. Plus he in not a trained surgeon and knows absent nothing about being a surgeon.

[@me77you]

How would I find out what doctor is approved, certified and/or qualified to preform this procedure in the state of Connecticut?

[@michaelanderson4836]

Contact your doctor and get a referral to a spine or pain center in your state

[@jeanschricker6841]

Will this work for l5 s1 spondylolthesis and bilateral foraminal stenosis?

[@portermcroberts412]

No. Sadly it will not. Likely the best remedy is a fusion for this problem until we have better minimally invasive solutions. I’d seek a surgical opinion in your situation. The best of luck.

[@xflyingtiger]

I have had lumbar lamenectomy. Several levels were immobilized with posterior fixations. Could I still be a candidate for this procedure, or does my previous surgery rule me out?

[@wportermcroberts]

If the laminectomy was already performed at the level where you have stenosis, then yes it rules you out.

[@DavidRobinson-sc9nd]

Is this suitable if vertebrae L2 and L3 have crumbled

[@wportermcroberts]

Sadly unlikely.

[@kailenthibodeaux6743]

I am a 20 year old college athlete, I had to stop playing because of bilateral stenosis at L4-L5. Is it possible to do physical activity such as basketball with this device, I miss playing and working out so much.

[@wportermcroberts]

It all depends on your level of activity. I’d collegiate level ball is out. After a year, reimage and then determine.

[@kailenthekonqueror7303]

Anodyne Research does this also work for bilateral “foraminal” stenosis

[@wportermcroberts]

It can work for bilateral foraminal stenosis, but if that’s the primary diagnosis, I don’t think this is the very best solution. See a neurosurgeon or conservative ortho spine surgeon. There may be minimally invasive decompressive strategies with more robust outcomes.

[@kailenthekonqueror7303]

Anodyne Research I had a pars interarticularis fracture that is causing all of this compression. Every doctor I’ve seen either has no idea what to do or pushes me to do a spine fusion which really doesn’t make sense if a space increase could fix the problem. If you have any suggestions on a doctor please let me know. I will go wherever I have to. Thank you for your time!([e-mail])

[@wportermcroberts]

KailentheKonqueror A pars fracture rules out the spacer then. You will need stabilization. What part of the country are you in?

[@JohnGrove310]

$60,000 procedure that takes 10 minutes that Kaiser doesn't cover

[@wportermcroberts]

John Grove sadly the physician gets paid a fraction of that. And it’s a shame Kaiser doesn’t cover it.

[@jencat9015]

@@wportermcroberts Any success with getting Cigna to approve? I'm supposed to have L5/S1 spinal fusion surgery, but Cigna keeps denying. Maybe they would approve this? If this would even work for me? My L5/S1 disc is about shot. Rest of the back looks good. I have the pain in my legs and buttocks (mainly on the left side, but have had it on the right). I have arthritis in my lower back and DDD. Nerve blocks no longer work. I can walk okay, but some pain sometimes. Worst pain is in the morning after sleeping 8 hours (with the help of a sleeping pill, otherwise I wouldn't be able to lie down that long). Sitting is the most comfortable by far - especially in a reclined position. But getting up... ugh!

[@wric01]

60k hmm better than robbery. If fact let's do it. Need 2 ppl with back pain with nothing to lose to pull this off. Jail is fine as it's resting recouping time.