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Coflex Implant for Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Relevant information about Coflex Implant for Spinal Stenosis Surgery.
Coflex Implant is a surgical implant that is designed to re-stabilize a spinal column that suffers from Spinal Stenosis. It is available in five different sizes, and its titanium alloy construction makes it visible on X-rays. It is usually implanted after a decompression surgery, which is known as Laminectomy. Coflex Implant is considered as the less invasive type of Spinal Stenosis surgical procedure. It also can be removed.
Spinal Stenosis, also known as narrowing, is a condition that occurs within the spinal column when the spinal canal that contains the nerve roots and spinal cord becomes restricted. This narrowing can occur on one or more areas of the spinal column and ends up squeezing the nerves and the spinal cord. The pressure caused by this, generates lower back and leg pain. Pain tends to occur after walking and relieves when the individual sits down or does an action that bends forward the spinal column, thus generating more space for the spinal cord and nerves from the spinal canal. Individuals with Arthritis or over the age of 50 tend to develop Spinal Stenosis, resulting from disease or age progression. Also, some individuals can have Congenital Stenosis, which happens when the person is born with a small spinal canal. However, some of the individuals who suffer from a type of Spinal Stenosis never develop symptoms. The causes of this are unknown.
Generally the first step for implantation of Coflex Implant is doing a Laminectomy. However, some patients may receive the implant without a previous surgery. The Laminectomy is performed with the patient positioned lying on the side or stomach. A small straight incision is made over the affected area. Then, a retractor is used to spread apart the muscles and soft tissue overlying the spinal column. When the laminae have been reached, part of the bony arch is cut away in order to expose the ligamentum flavum, which is a band of yellow tissue attached to the vertebrae that helps to support the spinal column and closes in the spaces between the vertebral arches. An opening is then cut in the ligamentum flavum in order to reach the spinal canal and expose the compressed nerve. Bone spurs, if any, are removed in order to enlarge the spinal canal. After the Laminectomy has been done, the Coflex Implant is implanted within the spinal canal. On either side of the implant there are metal wings. These wings are crimped against the bone in order to ensure that contact is made. A mallet is also put over the implant to provide firmly implantation into the bone. Finally, the incision is closed in layers, using different types of sutures for the muscles, connective tissues, and skin.
Patients that went through Laminectomy and Coflex Implant usually remain in the hospital for one to three days after the procedure. During this period infections will be prevented by giving the patient fluids and antibiotic medications intravenously. Medications for pain may be given every three to four hours. In this type of procedures another form for anesthesia administration is also done through a device known as a PCA. PCA means patient-controlled anesthesia and is a small pump that delivers a dose of medication into the veins when the patient pushes a button. After hospital stay pain medication will be continue to be taken for 2 to 4 weeks. Patient must avoid sitting or standing in the same position for a long time during the post-surgery process. Patients that only were implanted may leave the hospital after a day without many restrictions. Pain medication is usually given to the patient for a short period of time.
During the Laminectomy nerve damage can happen. Any surgery that is done near the spinal canal can damage the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. Injury may occur when a surgical instrument damages one of the nerves from the zone. Consequence of this is muscle weakness and loss of sensation to the areas supplied by the damaged nerve. However this is rare. There are no documented problems during the implant part of the procedure.
The Coflex Implant allows the patient’s spinal column to perform movement in both flexion and extension also providing stabilization of the treated part.
There are no total cures for Spinal Stenosis. The damaged spinal disks that cause the narrowing can be stabilized but will not heal.
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