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Anyone had a interspinous process device (Minuteman) fusion procedure?
Spine Health | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (39)Comment receiving replies
I'm waiting to schedule my procedure to have the Minuteman G5
put in my lower back between L4 and L5 vertebrae. I have been diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis. Have trouble standing,walking and going up stairs. I am just fine when I'm sitting. Wake up in the middle of the night with intense pain. The doctor and the company that makes the Minuteman says 76% of the people that have had the procedure experience at least a 30% reduction of pain. I am 73 years old. Have had 4 injections for the pain, but the last one did not help.
This is the next up treatment. A popular pain doctor (anesthesiologist)
would be doing the procedure. Would appreciate any comments from people that have had this procedure to hear if it was successful or not.
Thank you. Joe
Replies to "I'm waiting to schedule my procedure to have the Minuteman G5 put in my lower back..."
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Well, here are my thoughts...I would be hesitant to allow a pain doc to cut into my back. Only a neurosurgeon is really skilled enough to do these kind of procedures. The numbers, 76% get at least 30% relief scare me a little. Are you really willing to trust an anesthesiologist to cut into your back to maybe get 30% pain relief? Have you considered a spinal cord stimulator? There are pros and cons to this as well, but the numbers tend to be more in your favor. Do your research before you jump into this, please. I wish you well.