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

Posted by harvey2007 @harvey2007, Jun 12, 2021

Anyone have any experience with the Minuteman procedure? Do any surgeons in New York perform Minuteman procedure?

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Mentor
Phil, Volunteer Mentor | @upstatephil | Jun 7 8:33am
In reply to @allieb11 "I am a patient that had the Minuteman system implanted Feb 5, 2024. I am thrilled...." + (show)
@allieb11

I am a patient that had the Minuteman system implanted Feb 5, 2024. I am thrilled. I woke up feeling better than I had in a very long time. Now, 4 months later, I'm still doing great. The Minute man bolt was installed from the back hip so no muscles & ligaments were cut as in traditional fusions. I had a 3 month recovery time, but it was a much easier recovery than my other 3 lumbar surgeries. If your vertebrae are crushing down on each other when standing or sitting, causing legs to go numb & weak this is a great procedure, but please ask your Dr what's best for you as we all have different issues.

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@allieb11 - I learn something everyday! The field of minimally invasive spinal surgeries is really gaining momentum. There are regular advances and the Minuteman is a great example. I had to Google it - and what I read was amazing. I’ve researched many MI options and most seem to be recommended only for a one level procedure? Regardless - the Minuteman appears to be a great option and it’s exciting to see more and more MI options out there! Thanks for sharing.

REPLY
ginnyjm | @ginnyjm | Jun 7 11:55am
In reply to @denman55 "I had the MINUTEMAN procedure done in March 2022 for my Lumbar spinal stenosis. It was..." + (show)
@denman55

I had the MINUTEMAN procedure done in March 2022 for my Lumbar spinal stenosis. It was done after having Epidural steroid injections that failed to give me any pain relief. I am actually sorry I had this procedure done because having an interspinous device inserted has not provided me with any pain relief. I am still suffering with pain, have seen a new doctor, who prescribed Physical therapy, Acupuncture and Chiropractics which I began in March 2023. Needless to say none of those treatments provided me with any pain relief either. So now I'm told my only option is to have the Spinal Cord Stimulator procedure done.

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I’ve been where you are now, except never had acupuncture. The Minuteman never helped me either, but it’s still just there. Then, I had the SCS as a last resort - that never helped after 3 years so I had it removed February 2024. It may help you, but do your own research! Keep in mind you’ll have several leads & a real battery inside your body that has to be charged by wearing a belt with a charger every few days & your clothes can’t be under or over the charger.

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1 reply
denman55 | @denman55 | Jun 7 12:02pm
In reply to @ginnyjm "I’ve been where you are now, except never had acupuncture. The Minuteman never helped me either,..." + (show)
@ginnyjm

I’ve been where you are now, except never had acupuncture. The Minuteman never helped me either, but it’s still just there. Then, I had the SCS as a last resort - that never helped after 3 years so I had it removed February 2024. It may help you, but do your own research! Keep in mind you’ll have several leads & a real battery inside your body that has to be charged by wearing a belt with a charger every few days & your clothes can’t be under or over the charger.

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I just had a Laminectomy and a Spinal fusion L3-4-5 two-weeks ago. I will not be needing the SCS. The spacer that was inserted for the Minuteman was removed during my surgery.

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