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Are you struggling with back pain and not getting enough relief from medical care? If so, it’s time to learn about the Minuteman®, an advanced device that restores spinal health for the long run.
If you have chronic back pain, you already know how difficult it is to find long-lasting relief. And if you’ve run out of conservative medical options, it’s time to learn if you’re a good candidate for a Minuteman® spinal fusion.
The Minuteman is an advanced device that’s implanted in your spine, where it decompresses pinched nerves and fuses the two vertebrae.
Our caring team at Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care in Hobart, LaPorte, Munster, Valparaiso, and Merrillville, Indiana, has extensive experience performing this minimally invasive procedure, which can transform your life by dramatically easing your pain. Here’s what you need to know.
The Minuteman device
The Minuteman is an advanced device designed to relieve chronic back pain caused by pinched nerves. The device decompresses the nerves by separating the two adjacent vertebrae and physically maintaining the space. However, it goes a step further to enhance your spinal health.
The device is biocompatible, allowing it to safely remain in the spine. It also contains bone graft materials, substances that promote and accelerate new bone growth.
As a result, the two vertebrae grow over the device, fusing into a single, strong bone. This fusion restores long-lasting spinal strength and stability.
The minimally invasive procedure
Minimally invasive procedures are defined by using small incisions and surgical instruments slim enough to fit through the narrow opening.
When implanting the Minuteman, we make an incision that’s less than 1 inch long. We also gently separate the muscles and ligaments, sparing them from being cut. As a result, you have less trauma and recover faster.
Using real-time X-ray guidance to visualize the spine throughout the procedure, we first remove the outer layer of the vertebral bone where it will come into contact with the Minuteman. This process exposed the inner bone, which has a rich blood supply.
Then, we insert the device between the two vertebrae (physically separating the bones) and release two wings on each side of the Minuteman. The wings hold the device in place.
Finally, we place the bone graft material in the implant, ensuring it comes into contact with the prepared vertebral surface.
Recovery
It’s essential to limit stress to ensure optimal healing. As a result, we ask that you avoid bending, twisting, lifting items weighing more than 10 pounds, and engaging in strenuous activities for four to eight weeks.
Physical therapy (PT) is essential during your recovery. Most patients have PT for eight weeks (two to three times weekly).
Your PT care plan focuses on decreasing pain and inflammation for the first two weeks, then exercises are added to improve muscle strength and flexibility. When your muscles are ready, your therapist will advance your treatment to include lifting exercises and posture training.
Am I a good candidate for the Minuteman?
The Minuteman may be the next step in your treatment if you have chronic back pain that doesn’t improve with conservative therapies. The conditions most often treated with the device include:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- Spondylolisthesis (one vertebra slips over another)
- Spinal tumor or trauma
Signs you may benefit from the Minuteman include back or leg pain that’s better when sitting and worse during prolonged standing or walking. Another sign is when your back pain feels better if you bend over.
Learn more about Minuteman spinal fusion
If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, we’re here to assess your condition, answer your questions, and recommend personalized treatment. Schedule an appointment today through online booking or by calling the nearest Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care office.