X-Stop for Spinal Stenosis

Patients can gain relief from chronic lower back pain—and may walk out of the hospital the same day—thanks to an innovative new surgical implant that recently was approved by the FDA. BayCare Health System has one of the only facilities in this region to offer this surgical procedure.

The titanium implant treats lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), a condition in which there is a narrowing of the space where the spinal nerve exits the spinal column due to an overgrowth of bone or protrusion of the spinal discs. This crowding of nerve fibers results in pain and numbness in the back and legs when standing or walking.
The X STOP® Interspinous Process Decompression System implant is inserted through a small incision in a patient's back. It separates the ligaments and bone, which prevents pressure on nerves and immediately relieves pain. The procedure takes less than one hour and typically requires a local anesthetic. Many patients are able to stand upright and walk the same day of the surgery.

Specialized spinal surgeons perform this procedure, which is just one of the minimally invasive surgical treatments offered by Morton Plant Mease for back and spinal conditions. Minimally invasive techniques are performed whenever possible so that patients can benefit from smaller incisions, faster recovery and less post-operative pain. 

Currently, this procedure is only performed at Mease Dunedin Hospital. For more information, please contact (727) 734-6517.