Dr. Sterne: Boston Scientific Vertiflex Procedure

Dr. Sterne Completes His First Boston Scientific Vertiflex Procedure!

Every day the providers at Louisiana Pain Specialists move the needle forward in the treatment of chronic pain. We are proud to announce that Dr. Sterne completed his first Boston Scientific Vertiflex procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis last week!  With just a small incision and a procedure that takes 20 minutes or fewer, the Vertiflex Procedure is redefining the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis for patients. It provides patients with a clinically proven, minimally invasive solution that is designed to deliver long-term relief from the leg and back pain associated with LSS. 

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a narrowing of the spinal canal or passage. The most common cause of LSS is aging, as normal wear and tear on the spine as we get older causes changes of the spine. The narrowing of the spinal canal can cause the compression of nerves in the low back, leading to low back pain which spreads down the buttocks and into the legs. The most common symptoms associated with LSS are pain in the low back and legs while walking; numbness, cramping, or “pins and needles” in your low back, buttocks or legs; leg weakness or loss of balance; and loss of endurance while performing everyday activities. Patients with LSS often get pain relief with sitting or bending forward.

As a safer alternative to traditional, more-invasive surgeries, the Vertiflex procedure involves placing a small implant, or spacer the size of a dime, between the spinous processes of the spine, which are the thin, bony projections on the back of the spine. After the spacer is placed, there is more space for your spinal cord and nerves. The spacer holds the compressed vertebrae further apart which lifts pressure off the nerves to alleviate low back and leg pain.

 We love that our practice and our providers are able to offer our patients the newest and most cutting-edge treatment options for their chronic pain.  We can’t wait to track this patient’s success!  And congratulations to Dr. Sterne on employing this technique for the first time!