Procedure Description
The Vertiflex™ Procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient treatment that involves implanting a small interspinous spacer between the vertebrae in the lower spine. This spacer helps relieve pressure on the spinal nerves caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)—a narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause back and leg pain, especially when standing or walking.
The device acts like a “doorstop,” gently opening up the space between the vertebrae, which reduces compression on the nerves while preserving natural motion. It’s FDA-approved and designed to delay or avoid the need for open surgery or spinal fusion.
What It Treats
The Vertiflex procedure is specifically designed to treat:
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Neurogenic claudication (leg pain, heaviness, or weakness when standing or walking)
Pain that improves when sitting or bending forward
Mild to moderate spinal narrowing without significant instability
It is best suited for patients who:
Have chronic lower back and leg pain due to stenosis
Have not improved with conservative care (e.g., medications, injections, or physical therapy)
Want to avoid more invasive decompression or fusion surgeries
How It Is Performed
You’ll lie face down under local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the case.
A small incision (approximately 1 inch) is made over the affected spinal segment in the lower back.
Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a narrow channel is created to access the space between the spinous processes (the bony projections at the back of the vertebrae).
The Vertiflex spacer is inserted and deployed between the vertebrae, where it locks into place and restores space in the spinal canal.
The incision is closed with a few sutures or adhesive strips.
The entire procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient surgical center or hospital.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
Do not eat or drink for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
Review your medications with your provider—blood thinners or diabetes medications may need adjustment.
Inform your provider if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have had prior spine surgery or infection
Have metal allergies or bleeding disorders
Arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients go home the same day with minimal restrictions.
You may experience mild soreness or swelling at the incision site.
Many patients report improvement in walking ability and reduced leg pain within days.
You’ll be advised to avoid bending, twisting, or heavy lifting for the first few weeks.
Light activity such as walking is encouraged shortly after the procedure.
Full recovery typically occurs within 4–6 weeks, and most patients avoid long-term opioid use or major spine surgery.
Call your provider if you experience:
Signs of infection (fever, chills, drainage from incision)
Numbness, weakness, or worsening pain
Difficulty walking or new neurological symptoms
Gentle Yet Effective Relief for Spinal Stenosis
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we are proud to offer the Vertiflex™ Procedure as an innovative option for patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis. This FDA-approved, motion-preserving solution can significantly reduce leg and back pain—without the need for fusion or laminectomy.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to see if the Vertiflex™ spacer is the right fit for your spine care journey.