The use of Interspinous Process Spacers in elderly people: preliminary experience

Background The spinous processes are located in the very back of the spinal column near the skin surface. In fact, by passing the hand down the center of the low back one is usually able to feel several small prominences. These are the spinous processes. The near proximity of the spinous processes to the skin allows for the implantation of interspinous process spacers with minimal operative intervention and spinal morbidity.The interspinous process devices are designed to distract (open) the foramen, where the nerve endings pass away from the center of the spinal region and into the legs. It is thought that these devices may also unload the intervertebral disc. They may limit spinal extension (the position the spine takes on when bending backward). This backward bending position may be painful for patients with spinal stenosis because it reduces the space available for the nerve roots in the exiting foraminal openings.The interspinous devices may be implanted with the patient under a mild sedative and local anesthesia as a day surgery procedure (patient goes home the same day) or under light anesthesia. This may be particularly beneficial for elderly patients for whom more extensive open surgery may present too great of a surgical risk due to less favorable general health and fitness level.