Preoperative considerations
Health insurance coverage
Postoperative care

Is the X-STOP Spacer right for you?

The X-STOP Spacer is indicated for patients aged 50 or older suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). A diagnosis of LSS should be confirmed by a doctor with X-ray, MRI, or CT scans. The X-STOP Spacer is indicated for patients with moderately impaired ability to function, who experience relief from their pain symptoms when bending forward. Patients receiving the X-STOP Spacer should have been on a regime of nonsurgical treatment for their symptoms for at least 6 months. The X-STOP Spacer may be implanted at one or two lumbar levels in patients in whom operative treatment is indicated at no more than two levels.

Summary: If you can answer yes to all of the following four statements, you may be eligible for the X-STOP Spacer.

• I am 50 years of age or older.
• I have been diagnosed with and suffer from the symptoms of LSS.
• My pain is relieved when I sit down or lean forward.
• I have been in treatment for LSS for at least 6 months.

The X-STOP Spacer should not be used if you have:

• An allergy to titanium or titanium alloy or PEEK
• Spinal anatomy that would prevent placement of the device or cause the device to be unstable in your body
• Cauda equina syndrome, which is a spinal nerve compression that causes groin numbness, bowel and/or bladder dysfunction
• Osteoporosis with fragility fracture
• A current infection

Health insurance coverage

The X-STOP procedure is covered by Medicare and select private health plans. Private health plans typically require you or your doctor to submit paperwork for preauthorization of an elective surgery. Learn more. Talk to a spine specialist to find out if your insurance covers the X-STOP Spacer.

Postoperative care

The X-STOP Spacer may offer a short recovery, and pain relief may be rapid. You may be able to walk the same day and be discharged from the hospital within 24 hours.

As with any surgery, you may feel some soreness after the procedure. Your doctor will discuss the need for appropriate medications based on your level of discomfort.

Following the procedure, physical therapy may be recommended and your doctor may ask you to return for an examination approximately 6 weeks later. You may also be advised to avoid strenuous activity, but light activities and travel should be okay. Walking is usually acceptable as long as it is comfortable and does not exceed 1 hour in duration.

You may be asked to limit physical activities such as:

• Bending backward
• Heavy lifting
• Climbing stairs
• Sports like swimming, golf, tennis, racquetball, running, and jogging

Most normal physical activities can be resumed with your doctor's recommendation within 2 to 6 weeks after the procedure. In order to fully recover from the procedure, it's important to follow your doctor's directions carefully.

If you’re planning to have other diagnostic procedures (such as an MRI) or treatments, be sure to tell your doctor and dentist that you've had the X-STOP Spacer procedure.

Possible complications

Surgery is not without risk. For more information about possible complications please review this Important Safety Information and talk to your doctor.