If you suffer from chronic back pain or have a spinal injury, you know firsthand how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to a range of treatments that can alleviate pain and restore function to the affected area. 

Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems are medical devices composed of two interbody spacers and a linking rod made of titanium. They helps reduce pain, prevent further damage, and promote spinal fusion. Furthermore, they are minimally invasive and have been shown to be effective in clinical studies. Join us as we take a closer look at the interlaminar spinal fixation system and how it can help improve outcomes for those with spinal instability or degenerative disc disease. 

What is an Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System, And What Are Its Components? 

Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems are spinal stabilization systems designed to promote spinal fusion and provide stability to the lumbar spine. The system consists of two interbody spacers and a linking rod made of titanium, which are implanted through a minimally invasive procedure. The interbody spacers are placed between two adjacent vertebrae to restore the natural spacing and alignment of the spine, while the linking rod connects the two spacers to stabilize the spine. The system's design allows for controlled movement while the spine heals and promotes the growth of new bone tissue. 

These devices aim to reduce pain, prevent further damage, and improve spinal stability, leading to better outcomes for patients with spinal instability or degenerative disc disease. It’s also an effective alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery, with fewer complications and faster recovery times. 

What are the Benefits of Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems? 

This system offers several benefits for patients with spinal instability or degenerative disc disease. 

• Stabilization of the Spine: The first and most significant benefit is the stabilization of the spine, which can reduce pain and prevent further damage. The device does this by attaching itself to vertebrae and not allowing them to move, thereby reducing instances of further spinal damage, pain, or even inconvenience. 
• Promotion of Spinal Fusion: Additionally, the system promotes spinal fusion, which is the natural process of two adjacent vertebrae fusing together. The interbody spacers used create the optimal environment for new bone tissue growth, leading to a more stable spine over time. 
• Minimally Invasive Procedure Another significant benefit of spinal fixation systems is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike traditional spinal fusion surgery, which requires larger incisions and longer recovery times, This procedure can be performed through a smaller incision. This means that patients experience less pain, have shorter hospital stays, and can return to normal activities faster. 

Overall, spinal fixation systems offer a safer, more effective alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgery, providing patients with long-lasting relief from spinal instability, chronic spinal pain, and degenerative disc disease. 

Additional benefits include the utilization of local anesthesia, conservation of bone and soft tissue, decreased likelihood of epidural scarring and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, a shorter hospitalization and rehabilitation duration, and the possibility of reversing the surgical procedure without impeding future surgical alternatives. 

Types of Spinal Fixation Systems

The most popular system is StabiLink. It is an innovation by Southern Spine, a celebrated global manufacturer of spinal and thoracic inserts. Their innovations include the following:

StabiLink® MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System 

This implant is placed away from the neural and other elements of the spinal cord. The StabiLink® MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System boasts several design features that enhance its performance and effectiveness. 

• The implant has a small diameter with a wide-spike design, containing 16 spikes per implant, which spreads the load over a larger area. This feature increases the implant's load-sharing capacity during both static and fatigue testing. 
• The Laminar Lock Design is another notable feature that limits movement in all three planes, including lateral bending, axial rotation, and flexion/extension. 
• It offers a wide range of implant designs and sizes for optimal anatomical fit. The low profile of the implant also enables access to facet joints and other surrounding anatomy. 
• The torque-controlled locking mechanism results in secure fixation of the implant. 

Overall, StabiLink's design features ensure greater stability, accuracy, and long-term effectiveness for patients undergoing spinal stabilization surgery. 

How Are Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems Inserted? 

During the procedure, a small incision measuring 2–4 cm is made using a precision guided inserter/compressor. This instrument is designed to streamline the implant placement process, making it more straightforward and accurate for surgeons. The precision guided inserter/compressor is an all-in-one instrument that eliminates the need for multiple instruments, including bulky compressors. It allows for the implant to be safely placed with or without the removal of the interspinous ligaments. As a result, the overall procedure time is reduced, and the implant insertion and compression are achieved with greater ease and accuracy. 

The Risks Involved 

As with any procedure, Interlaminar Spinal Fixation Systems come with their own risks. Risks may include wound infection, post-surgical CSF leak, blood clots, etc. It is important to note that these instances are rare, and, have a far lower probability of occurrence when compared to traditional spinal decompression surgeries. 

If you or a loved one suffers from degenerative disc disease or chronic back pain, we recommend visiting Pain Treatment Centers of America at one of our many locations. Our medical and ambulatory surgical expertise has helped thousands of patients, and we would be delighted to help you determine the best option for you. 

For more information, call us at (844) 215-0731 today!