Published on September 29, 2024
As we age, many of us experience degeneration of the lumbar spine. This deterioration can lead to spinal stenosis, sciatica, pinched nerves, herniated and herniated discs, and progressive low back pain.
Spinal stenosis is characterized by a decreased ability to walk a block or two or stand for more than 10 or 15 minutes. It is associated with pain in the buttocks and legs that worsens when standing and walking but improves when sitting or bending forward.
For example, symptoms may improve when pushing a shopping cart or using a cane or walker, as patients tend to walk hunched forward because these create more space in the narrow space of the spinal canal.
Some people with spinal stenosis also experience leg cramps, leg spasms, or nighttime “Charlie Horses.” Some people can only sleep in a recliner or in the fetal position.
These are common symptoms that should improve with Minuteman® surgery to decompress and stabilize the spine. The Minuteman is a device designed to create more space and stabilize the spine.
Think of the spinal canal as a room with four walls. Over time, the walls of the spinal canal close in on your spinal canal. The Minuteman® moves the wall back and up to create more space, giving your nerves more room and improving leg pain. Minuteman can also better align your spine and reduce low back pain.
The Minuteman is a minimally invasive spinal stabilization device (fusion) that takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to perform in an outpatient setting at our surgery center. In comparison, spinal fusion surgery performed in a hospital usually takes 3 to 4 hours, followed by a recovery time of 2 to 3 months.
Militia is performed through a one-inch incision in the side of the lower back and does not involve cutting any muscle or bone. Blood loss is minimal and you can go home the same day within an hour of the procedure. There is also minimal discomfort after this stabilizing procedure.
During this procedure, we place a heavy-duty toggle bolt to create space through the posterior element of the spine.
With the bolt in place, the toggle wings open. Everything is then tightened into place with “nuts” to stabilize the spine. Bone cement is added to further ensure proper fusion/stabilization of the spine.
The procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have undergone more extensive surgical fusion procedures and prefer less invasive options, or who may not be able to afford a more complex in-hospital procedure.
The Minuteman is particularly suitable for patients who have single-level disease (such as L4-5 or L3-4) and meet certain criteria for spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis (spondylolisthesis).
The device is a permanent implant but can be surgically removed in the future if necessary. This means it won’t burn any bridges if further processing is required. However, this procedure is not suitable for patients with severe unstable slip, severe multilevel disease, or patients with PARS deficiency.
After surgery, leg pain should subside within a few days. We want you to start walking and standing more and more every day after surgery. Physical therapy begins 2-4 weeks after surgery and continues for 4-6 weeks.
As you can imagine, over the months of pain, your legs become increasingly weak, leading to poor physical condition.
Physical therapy will enhance walking and standing endurance, as well as better balance and greater function. Many studies show that increased walking and exercise capacity improve cardiovascular health and extend lifespan.
If you suffer from spinal stenosis, hip and leg pain that isn’t relieved by conservative treatments, Minuteman may be your minimally invasive solution.
Please call 352-397-4930 to schedule an inspection.
