Minimally invasive spinal surgery

Interlaminar Lumbar Instrumented Fusion (ILIF™)

The most common surgical treatment for LSS is a procedure called a decompression, which involves removing bone or ligaments that are pressing on the spinal cord and/or nerves. There are several different types of decompression procedures. The most common procedure used to treat LSS is called a laminectomy. A laminectomy involves removing the spinous processes and the lamina to create a “window” above the spinal canal to relieve stenosis.

Traditional decompression procedures such as a laminectomy can destabilize the spine, so surgeons will often create a bridge of bone across the segment of the spine where the decompression was performed. This procedure, commonly referred to as a fusion, involves placing bone graft along both sides of the spine, followed by inserting screws and rods into the spine for stabilization.

There can be disadvantages associated with this traditional surgical treatment for stenosis. Surgeons may feel that a decompression procedure alone may create instability (which can create pain); however, a fusion with screws and rods may be too extensive and unnecessary. Other surgeons are concerned that scar tissue (fibrous growth) can occur at the “window” above the spinal cord following a laminectomy, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves. This is comparable to traditional pedicle screw fixation in flexion-extension and axial rotation.

Full documentation (PDF)