What Is an Interspinous Spacer?

Interspinous Spacer

An interspinous spacer is designed to treat the symptoms of spinal stenosis, a sometimes painful condition caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spacer is an implant designed to keep the space between your spinous processes open, so that when you stand upright, the nerves in your back will not be pinched or cause pain.

By enlarging the space between the bones in your back, the spacer reduces pressure on the spinal nerves, thereby alleviating the symptoms of spinal stenosis, including:

• Leg pain, cramping
• Numbness or tingling in the lower back, buttocks and legs

The spacer is designed to remain permanently in place without attaching screws or hardware to the bone or ligaments in your back. Because the bone and tissue removal typically associated with traditional back surgery is usually not necessary with a spacer, the natural anatomy of the spine may be preserved.

Next: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions –
Interspinous Spacer

How long a recovery period can I expect after surgery?

Following your discharge from the hospital, physiotherapy may be recommended. Your doctor may schedule a follow-up exam approximately six weeks later. While your doctor may impose limitations on your physical activities in the weeks following your operation, you may be able to travel and engage in light activity as soon as you feel able.

In some cases, normal activity may be resumed with 2-6 weeks after the procedure, provided your doctor has given you permission to do so.

If you are planning to have other diagnostic procedures or treatments, you should inform all doctors involved in your care that you have had spinal surgery.

Caution: It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully in order to fully recover from surgery. Failure to follow postoperative care recommendations may result in recurrence of symptoms and discomfort. A stress fracture of the spinous process may occur if strenuous physical activity is resumed too soon postoperatively.

Next: Getting an Interspinous Spacer