Anyone had a interspinous process device (Minuteman) fusion procedure?

Thank you for the recommendation this has been a tough decision to try and make. Still looking.

I received it 6 weeks ago. Felt great for 2 weeks then gradually worse and now I feel the same as before having the surgery....a total failure. I'm finding that none of these minimally invasive procedures has consistent success. But they all promote them enthusiastic.

After nerve block, radio frequency, both sides, one si injection, bilateral hip bursa procedures, I had the minuteman lumbar surgery on Oct 10. It was the most painful procedure I have gone through with no improvement at all, in fact I feel I am worse off since the surgery.
The postop pain was agony, and I am still in discomfort all the time.
Both knees are giving me grief and I will probably need total replacements, but I doubt I could deal with both at this time.
Maybe I am just one of the unfortunate ones this does not work for.

I am also looking at this procedure and looking for any and all information from the people that have had it done. Your comments are very helpful and I thank you for your insight.
Can you tell me who and where you had this done? This will be for my sole use to decide if I get this done and by whom and where. For your information, I had both my knees done at HHS in New York because of their # 1 ranking according to USNews, and from all the helpful information I received from other patients that had it done before me. If you do send me any information, I thank you, and if not may GOD BLESS YOU.
jimwvwater@frontier.com

I agree, this is a very hard decision. After almost going to the emergency room last night, for the pain you are ready to try anything. I'm on 10 pills a day, muscle relaxor, pain, and Neurontin pills.
Thank you for the information, it is all helpful.
May GOD BLESS YOU.

I live in Florida, procedure was done by my pain management doctor (anesthesiologist).
It will be six months since I had this done and there is still no improvement. I recently finished PT but unfortunately, that did not help.
I have degenerative disk disease, stenosis, scoliosis and evidently some sacroiliac issues. That may be the reason it did not work for me.
I just had a cat scan done last week and am waiting to hear from the doctor on the results and what, if anything he plans on doing.
Not being able to do much over the past two years dealing with this, I have gained weight which no doubt adds to my problems.
I had cortisone shots in my knees in February which has really helped as I could barely stand or walk on my right leg. Ortho doctor advised not having knee surgery until back issues are dealt with, possibly because of my age, just going with the shots as many of his older patients do.
Good luck on whatever you decide.

Has anyone had this (Minuteman) procedure?

Hello @gogigifairway. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will notice I have moved your post into an existing discussion on the Minuteman procedure. You can find your post here:
- Anyone had an interspinous process device (Minuteman) fusion procedure?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/minuteman-fusion-procedure/

Members such as @pita12345 @jimwvwater @bostonleo @lindagiager and @harvey2007 have shared here previously and may be able to return. You may also review the comments while you wait for them to join.

What are you most interested in learning about from others?

Update since my last post 4/16. Dr. reviewed cat scan and suggested another round of radio frequency and possible MILD procedure (I mentioned this in another post). Instead of the radio frequency he did another nerve block which did not help.
At this point, I think he has given up on me. He said of all the procedures he tried; nothing has worked for me.
He did not suggest any other treatment or procedure but recommended a book on PT. unfortunately, most exercises where on the floor, on your knees or standing, none of which I can do. I tried chair yoga but even that hurts. I do whatever I can on the bed.
I guess I should be thankful the Dr. didn't suggest more procedures that may not help.
I saw my GP yesterday and she wants me to try low dose steroid to see if that makes any difference. I have tried several pain meds that gave me side effects but no relief.

pital12345,
I saw a pain management anesthesiologist once who looked at the MR images and said, "There are so many things wrong with your spine. I don't know what you expect me to do." Four days later I saw a pain management md (Stanford University Pain clinic Dr Board in Georgia now) who looked at the same scan and said, "There is so much we can do."

In my opinion you need a full assessment by different physician. I'd suggest a university pain clinic where you will get more than one opinion.
I don't think you should be thankful for a book on PT, nor do I think you should blame yourself for any weight gain, especially the inevitable gain from having pain with activity.
I believe, as our moderator, that most doctors do everything they know to help us, but sometimes that isn't good enough.
At least find a pain physician who will try another round of radiofrequency (in case he missed the nerve).
Pause, if you need to, but don't give up.
Best wishes