Interspinous Process Spacers for Indirect Lumbar Decompression

Abstract

Interspinous process spacers fill a significant gap in the treatment algorithm for lumbar spinal stenosis between conservative treatment options, such as physical therapy, injections, and medications, and, at the other end of the spectrum, surgical treatments (e.g., open laminectomy). There is strong clinical evidence that, for properly selected patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication secondary to moderate lumbar spinal stenosis, such spacers can provide significant relief of pain and reductions in physical disability. Interspinous process spacers can be implanted in a minimally invasive procedure, reducing the risk of complications.