StabiLink MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System
Introduction
The StabiLink MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to stabilize the spine and alleviate chronic pain caused by various spinal conditions. This procedure involves the placement of small implants (away from the neural elements including the spinal cord and spinal nerves) in between the spinous processes, providing support and reducing pressure on the spinal cord
.jpeg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:7.71%25,w:84.57%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:1209,cg:true)
Clinical Indications
The StabiLink procedure is indicated for patients suffering from:
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): Chronic back pain due to disc degeneration.
- Spondylolisthesis: Forward displacement of a vertebra over the one below it.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression.
- Disc Herniation: Displacement of disc material beyond its normal boundary.
- Trauma: Fractures or dislocations of the spine.
- Tumors: Spinal tumors causing instability or pain
.png/:/cr=t:12.33%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:75.34%25/rs=w:600,h:300,cg:true)
Techniques and Goals
The StabiLink procedure involves making a small incision (2-4 cm) to insert the implants between the spinous processes. The implants are designed to limit motion in all three planes (lateral bending, axial rotation, and flexion/extension), providing stability and reducing pain. The goal is to achieve supplemental fusion of the spinal segments, enhancing stability and alleviating pain
Therapeutic Value & Duration
Therapeutic Value
The StabiLink procedure offers significant therapeutic value by providing immediate pain relief and restoring spinal stability. It is particularly beneficial for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments and require a minimally invasive solution.
Duration of Effects
The effects of the StabiLink procedure can last for several years, depending on the patient's condition and adherence to post-operative care. The implants provide temporary stabilization while the spine undergoes natural fusion, which can take several months to a year
What to Expect
When a patient comes to the clinic for the StabiLink procedure, they can expect:
- Preoperative Evaluation: Detailed assessment of the patient's medical history and imaging studies.
- Surgical Procedure: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, and live X-ray guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the implants.
- Postoperative Care: Patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged on the same day. Postoperative instructions include rest, limited activity, and follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Possible Side Effects or Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential side effects and complications, including:
- Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
- Nerve Damage: Potential for nerve damage during implant placement.
- Blood Clots: Risk of blood clots forming in the legs (deep vein thrombosis).
- Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia: Possible reactions to anesthesia used during the procedure.
- Need for Further Surgery: In some cases, additional surgery may be required if the desired outcome is not achieved
Contraindications
There are several contraindications for the StabiLink MIS Implant procedure:
- Allergy to Titanium: Patients with a known allergy to titanium or other materials used in the implant should not undergo this procedure.
- Infection: Active or suspected spinal infections are a contraindication.
- Immune System Compromise: Patients with compromised immune systems or acute infectious processes should avoid this procedure.
- Spinal Anatomy: Certain spinal anatomies that prevent proper implant placement are contraindicated.
- Prior Decompression or Fusion: Patients who have had prior decompression or fusion at the same spinal level may not be suitable candidates.
It's crucial for patients to undergo a thorough preoperative evaluation to determine their eligibility for the StabiLink procedure. If you have any specific concerns or questions, feel free to ask!
We are here to help you
At the Institute of Interventional Pain Management, we are dedicated to helping patients with chronic pain by offering the StabiLink procedure. Our experienced team ensures that each patient receives personalized care and achieves the best possible outcome. If you are suffering from chronic spinal pain, please contact us to learn more about how we can help you.