The Minuteman® System
The Minuteman system is an inter-spinous spacer and fusion device used to fuse and stabilize the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine.
This is a minimally invasive procedure designed to be attached to the back of the spine and for use with bone graft material placed within the device.
This procedure helps patients suffering from back or leg pain caused by spine conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, tumor, or trauma.
This is a less invasive procedure than traditional spinal fusion, making it a good fit for patients unable to tolerate general anesthesia or who can’t undergo traditional surgery for another reason.
Who is a Candidate
The Minuteman system may be an option for patients suffering from chronic back and leg pain who have been unable to get relief from conservative treatment.
The following questions will help determine if the Minuteman® System is right for you:
- Does your back or leg pain worsen with prolonged standing or walking?
- Does your back or leg pain improve while you are sitting?
- Does leaning forward improve your pain?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for implantation of the Minuteman®.
Pain Conditions Helped by The Minuteman® System
How the Treatment is Performed
Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, the Minuteman® is performed using only local anesthetic and intravenous anesthesia.
Then, a small incision will be made on the side of your body and dilation will be used to access the spine. The lateral approach does not require dissection or stripping of the sensitive back muscles, bones, or nerves.
This approach allows for a shorter operative time, less blood loss, outpatient surgery and a faster recovery. The Minuteman® will then be implanted with a bone graft using X-ray guidance. This procedure can typically be performed in less than 60 minutes.
