6145 N Northwest Hwy
Inspan Procedure
- Understanding Your Pain
When the Inspan Procedure Can Help
- I can't walk through the grocery store without having to stop and rest
- My legs feel numb or weak when I stand for more than a few minutes
- I used to love gardening, but now the pain in my back and legs makes it impossible
- The burning sensation down my legs keeps me awake at night
- I've tried injections and physical therapy, but the relief is only temporary
- Core Conditions
Understanding Your Spine Condition in Simple Terms
Spinal Stenosis
Think of your spine as a highway tunnel. Spinal stenosis occurs when this tunnel narrows, putting pressure on the nerves (the traffic) trying to pass through. Just like cars backing up in a narrow tunnel, your nerves get "squeezed," causing pain, numbness, and weakness in your back and legs.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Your spinal discs work like shock absorbers between the bones in your spine. Imagine the cushions on your favorite chair wearing out over time - they become flat and less supportive. Similarly, when spinal discs wear down, every movement can cause pain because there's less cushioning between your bones.
Facet Joint Problems
Facets are small joints in your spine that help you bend and twist. Think of them like door hinges. When these "hinges" become worn or arthritic, they get stiff and painful, making every movement uncomfortable. Just as a rusty hinge creaks and resists movement, damaged facet joints cause pain with motion.
- Minimally Invasive Technique
What Is the Inspan Procedure?
Think of it as installing a small, permanent “spacer” that:
- Opens up the narrowed tunnel (relieves stenosis)
- Restores cushioning between bones (addresses disc problems)
- Stabilizes the worn hinges (fixes facet joint issues)
Potential Benefits of Inspan
Many patients report:
- Improved ability to walk and shop
- Possible reduction in pain medication needs
- Typically same-day discharge from the procedure
- May provide longer-lasting relief than injection therapies
- Potential to resume activities that pain previously prevented
Could Inspan Be Right for You?
The Inspan Procedure may be an option to consider if you have:
- Chronic back pain with shooting leg pain (radiculopathy)
- Numbness in your legs, calves, or buttocks
- Weakness and/or loss of balance
- Pain that increases with walking or standing (neurogenic claudication)
- Limited improvement with conservative treatments like physical therapy or injections
Take the First Step Toward Exploring Your Options
- Procedure
Inspan® Procedure
We now offer the Inspan procedure as a minimally invasive interspinous fixation implant for spinal fusion. Developed as an alternative to pedicle screw fixation, the Inspan implant provides stabilization and load sharing during thoracolumbar fusion procedures. This treatment is suitable for conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, trauma and spinal tumors.
1. Preparation:
- The patient is positioned, and a small incision is made in the back.
- The surgeon carefully dissects the tissue and muscle to expose the spinous processes.
2. Implant Placement:
- The Inspan implant is positioned between the spinous processes of the affected vertebrae.
- The implant is ratcheted together to secure it in place.
3. Closure:
- The incision is closed, and the patient is monitored throughout recovery.
