A Superion Interspinous Spacer (often referred to as a Superion Spacer or Superion Implant) is a small, H-shaped device that is implanted between two of the lower spinous processes (bony protrusions of the vertebrae) to alleviate the symptoms of spinal stenosis, a disorder common in older adults in which the spinal canal narrows over time, causing pain, numbness, and discomfort.
Once you and your doctor have determined that this procedure is right for you, it’s a good idea to maintain a balanced diet in the leadup to surgery in order to optimize the healing process. You should not eat for at least six hours prior to Superion Spacer insertion, and you should have someone else on hand to drive you home from your appointment.
A Superion Implant is implemented to reduce the pain symptoms associated with spinal stenosis, a disorder that can be congenital or occur through natural wear and tear as we age. The implant creates space between the vertebrae of the lower back, reducing friction and compression of the nerves. A Superion Spacer may be a good option for people who struggle with stenosis-related back pain that other, non-invasive methods have been unsuccessful in alleviating. This procedure is often most effective in people who notice that their lower back pain is lessened somewhat when they are in a forward-leaning position, such as while pushing a cart or lawnmower.
Superion Implant surgery is performed while the patient is lying on their stomach under general anesthesia. An incision under one inch in diameter is made in the lower back, through which the surgeon inserts a tube about as big around as a dime. The Superion Spacer is implanted through this tube into the space between two bones of the spinal cord. The device is expanded and locked in place, then the tube is removed and the incision is closed. In all, the implantation generally takes around a half hour.
Recovery from the surgery generally takes somewhere in the neighborhood of a month to six weeks. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment about this long after the procedure, and in the interim you will be asked to refrain from strenuous physical activity. If you have a fever, notice leakage from the point of incision, or are suffering worse pain than before the procedure, contact your doctor immediately.
Complications of Superion Implant surgery are relatively rare, but there have been cases in which additional surgery has been required to remove or replace the spacer due to increased pain, bone growth, incorrect placement, or the device moving from its original position after implantation. The implant may not be effective in alleviating pain for patients who have been diagnosed with scoliosis or other disorders that affect the shape of the spine. As with any surgery, a chance of infection exists, and fever or similar symptoms following the procedure should be immediately reported to your doctor.
MILD (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) and Endoscopic Spinal Decompression are both minimally invasive procedures that are performed to relieve pressure on nerves in the lower spinal cord.