What's your experience with Vertiflex Superion Implant?

I am 8 weeks post surgery, and wanted to post my experience with a vertiflex implant between L4 and 5. I am 54 years old (which is far too young for this), but prior to surgery had received 6 steroid injections that would provide complete relief from my spinal stenosis, but relief would only last for only 3 to 4 weeks. At its worst prior to surgery, I was still able to walk, bend and lift, but with limitations. I did have episodes where I was not able to do normal activities (for me), and stability and strength were waning fast. I must admit upfront that I live life full-throttle, and want to continue doing so for as long as possible. I had two doctors that recommended the veriflex implant, and one who did not. The one who did not, had never worked with the vertiflex, and did not know much about it truthfully, but feared that it could negatively affect biomechanics. His preference would have been to perform a laminectomy. I chose the vertiflex based on the fact that it was removable/reversible, and a laminectomy is not. If the vertiflex did not perform well, I am being told that it can be removed, and I would not be any worse off than I was prior to the surgery (minus the down time from recovery). However, after 9 weeks I am happy to report that the original pain and discomfort that radiated down the back of my butt and legs is gone, 100%. However, there are residual problems with pain in other areas. I have more discomfort in lower areas of my back than I had previously, and I do not feel like I have full strength and mobility restored yet. I hope that this will improve in coming weeks or months as things continue to adjust and heal to the new alignment of my spine. I am still trying to exercise and build strength since I am only two weeks off of the 6 week post-surgery restrictions. I cannot help but feel that when you make an adjustment at one location, the rest of your spine will disagree, but hopefully everything quiets down eventually. However, the surgeon that did not agree with me having the procedure may have a point that such a device may impact other areas, possibly permanently. Time will tell. I would have to say that I am very much improved from having the vertiflex implant, and can only hope that I get many years of relief. The strangest residual complication from the procedure is the ringing in my ears. It started about a week after the surgery, and has not gone away since. The doctor that did the procedure has no clue why, or how to treat it. It is not terrible, but it is noticeable. If it continues, I may have to have someone look into that further. I don't want to get into the mode of simply chasing one problem to the next.
My personal advice for anyone considering this procedure, RESULTS WILL VARY! It all depends on the severity of your stenosis, your age, your activity level, your expected outcome, your weight, other health issues, etc. etc, etc. It is not a cure-all for your spine. I have other arthritis issues in my spine that it may have aggravated from the procedure. But it did fix the one relatively new (2-3 years) pain and problems from my stenosis at that one location. And as of right now, it was worth it. I hope the other, more minor, complications and pains subside, but to be honest, they are more minor than the pain and limitations that were relieved by the vertiflex. Good luck, and hope this helps in your decisions, and one way or the other, I hope you all get feeling better, and stay active.

My dad is 96 and has vertiflex procedure scheduled for Aug. 12. He has spinal stenosis and cannot stand or walk without pain. He does not experience pain while sitting or laying. So we're hoping to get him some relief. He has tried epidural, oxy. Gabapentin, tramadol, alleve, Tylenol, venlaflaxin, CBD, actemenaphine. He has suffered for about 5 years with the pain when standing. He is willing to give it a try with 2 implants.
His doctor has been doing the procedure since Sept. With positive results. Please say a prayer for both of them.

It appears my dad may be having an allergic reaction to the titanium device implanted w the Vertiflex procedure. Are there any tx options other than removing the implant?

I had a Vertiflex procedure back in March this year L4/5. It has helped some maybe 25%
Now after 5 months I’m experiencing a pulling from my buttocks down the back of my legs.
Is really painful walking. Each morning the first thing I have to do take pain medication.
Has anyone else experienced this and if so, do you find anything to help it. Thanking you in advance for any suggestions or help.

It appears my dad may be having an allergic reaction to the titanium device implanted w the Vertiflex procedure. Are there any tx options other than removing the implant?

Hi: I am a 78 y/o male with severe stenosis. I had 2 Vertiflex implants 6 weeks apart. The first one at L4-5 pushed L4 up and caused severe groin and thigh pain. Second on at L4-3 didn't help much. Now almost a year later still in a lot of pain. A spine surgeon suggests that the L4-5 implant helped to actually herniate the disc. Seems like a lot of the Doctors that perform this procedure are not surgeons, mine was an anesthesiologist trained by Boston Scientific to do the implants. Boston Scientific has "factory reps" that try to intervene when problems arise. Mine was a nice guy but basically no assistance. Doctor that performed the procedures no longer with that practice. I am basically sorry I ever heard of Vertiflex.

Hi: I am a 78 y/o male with severe stenosis. I had 2 Vertiflex implants 6 weeks apart. The first one at L4-5 pushed L4 up and caused severe groin and thigh pain. Second on at L4-3 didn't help much. Now almost a year later still in a lot of pain. A spine surgeon suggests that the L4-5 implant helped to actually herniate the disc. Seems like a lot of the Doctors that perform this procedure are not surgeons, mine was an anesthesiologist trained by Boston Scientific to do the implants. Boston Scientific has "factory reps" that try to intervene when problems arise. Mine was a nice guy but basically no assistance. Doctor that performed the procedures no longer with that practice. I am basically sorry I ever heard of Vertiflex.