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Coflex® Device for Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

If you suffer from debilitating back pain, it’s possible that you may have lumbar spinal stenosis. The Coflex Interlaminar Stabilization™ implant alleviates compression due to LSS. Made of titanium, it is strong and flexible, providing support to your spine. As part of an outpatient procedure, Dr. Lewis of Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic has been using the coflex implant for many years and has seen the difference it can make when inserted directly after surgical decompression.

Coflex is the only lumbar motion preservation solution with the highest level of data, showing its positive outcomes versus decompression surgery alone. More than 163,000 people around the world have received the coflex implant, which prevents the need for spinal fusion in these individuals.

How Does the Coflex Device Work?

The coflex implant stabilizes the spine following decompression surgery for LSS patients. It replaces spinal fusion so that you retain your natural movement in the impacted area of the posterior lumbar spine. This U-shaped implant comes in five sizes designed for various anatomies.
Dr. Lewis inserts the implant between the spinous processes to help you retain normal height and functionality. With the extra space, the nerves pass through the spine without pinching on compressed vertebrae. The coflex implant sits between spinous processes with wings that rest on the laminar bone to hold the device in place.

Do Any Studies Show the Benefits of the Coflex Device?

Yes! Several studies reflect the benefits of using the coflex device in addition to decompression surgery. One European study showed that the coflex device sustained the benefits of decompression surgery for an additional two years.
Patients fitted with the coflex implant reported:

  • Better outcomes in terms of the following factors: improvement in disability, no complications, no additional interventions, and improved neurological maintenance.
  • 240% longer walking distance than decompression surgery alone.
  • Decompression only patients had more than three times as many epidural steroid injections following the procedure.

What Should You Expect During the Surgery?

The coflex device leads to faster recovery periods and better results for those who have lumbar spinal stenosis. During the compression surgery, Dr. Lewis removes bone, cartilage, and other material causing low back pain. Then, he implants the coflex device on the strongest part of the spine, the laminar bone. Due to the innovative design, the device adds strength and flexibility, so you don’t need to have your spine fused.
The coflex procedure has the following advantages when compared to lumbar fusion surgery:

  • Shorter surgery times
  • Faster relief from pre-surgery symptoms
  • Longer lasting relief with up to two years of natural movement

How Long Is the Recovery?

The coflex surgery entails only a short hospital stay. Many patients go home in 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Dr. Lewis may even clear you to go home the same day if everything looks good.

Contact the Jackson Neurosurgery Clinic for information regarding how the coflex device alleviates low back pain due to LSS. Call us at (601) 366-1011 to secure an appointment. We’ll find a solution that works for you.