Lumbar spinal stenosis leads to the narrowing of the spinal canal. If left untreated, the narrowing may cause constriction of the nerves that run down the back and into the legs. This can result in pain and discomfort in your back and legs and limit your mobility. For most people, symptoms develop gradually over time and are often made worse by walking or standing. Symptoms of LSS may include:

• Pain while walking
• Numbness or “tingling” feeling in your legs, calves, or buttocks
• Weakness
• Loss of balance
• Aching, dull back pain spreading to your legs
• Decreased endurance during physical activities
• Tendency to sit or lean over slightly to relieve pain

The Vertiflex® Procedure using the Superion® Indirect Decompression System is safe and FDA-approved. It is clinically proven to provide effective long-term relief. It supports your existing anatomy and is completely reversible.

The Vertiflex Procedure was developed to provide patients with a minimally invasive alternative when conservative treatment has failed and other options may be perceived as too aggressive.

The Vertiflex® Procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment. It uses a small implant that relieves pressure on the affected nerves. It was designed with patient safety and comfort in mind. The implant works by supporting your existing anatomy and is reversible, leaving all treatment options available in the future. The Vertiflex Procedure may not be right for everyone, as any treatment has associated risks. Ask your doctor if the Vertiflex Procedure is right for you.

Most incision sites will have a few stitches or staples that should be kept clean and dry until the first follow-up visit, usually 7 to 14 days after having the procedure.

For 6 weeks following your procedure, limit bending and strenuous activity, including lifting anything over 10 pounds.

All patients have different needs. You should always follow your treating physician’s instructions.

The Vertiflex Procedure underwent one of the most rigorous studies on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. 470 patients were enrolled in an Investigational Device Exemption or IDE trial at 29 sites with a 24-month follow-up and annually thereafter through 60 months. 

1. At 5 years, 84% of patients demonstrated clinical success on at least two of three ZCQ domains.

2. Individual ZCQ domain success rates were:
  • 75% symptom severity
  • 81% physical function
  • 90% patient satisfaction

3. Leg and back pain (VAS) success rates were:
  • 80% leg pain improvement
  • 65% back pain improvement

4. ODI success rate was 65%.

5. 75% of patients were free from re-operation, revision or supplemental fixation at their index level at 5 years.

Five-Year Durability of Stand-Alone Interspinous Process Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Pierce D. Nunley, M.D., Vikas V. Patel, M.D., Douglas G. Orndorff, M.D., William F. Lavelle, M.D., Jon E. Block, Ph.D., Fred H. Geisler, M.D., Ph.D.

Published in Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2017

The Vertiflex Procedure was the subject of an extremely thorough FDA clinical trial for LSS. Results from the trial proved the effectiveness of the procedure, with significant improvement in pain relief.

The procedure can be completed in an outpatient setting and most patients can return home within the same day.

Vertiflex is covered by Medicare and several private insurance companies, based on medical necessity (Each insurance company and patient’s plan may vary. Please work with your physician to verify benefits and coverage.)