Candidacy and Preparation for the Minuteman® Procedure
Are you living with chronic back or leg pain that nonsurgical procedures have not relieved? You may benefit from the Minuteman® procedure. The Minuteman® procedure is an innovative treatment offering relief to patients with chronic pain without major surgery. Our experts at Spine Institute of North America will assess your condition and determine your eligibility.
This procedure is less invasive than traditional spinal fusion surgery. Before the procedure, you’ll undergo a candidacy evaluation to ensure you are eligible and that you are physically and mentally ready. Preparation ensures optimal patient outcomes.
Understanding the Minuteman® Procedure
The Minuteman® is a minimally invasive interspinous-interlaminar fusion device for fixing in place and stabilizing the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine as bone fusion occurs. The Minuteman® attaches to the posterior non-cervical spine through bilateral locking plates at the spinous processes. It is used alongside bone grafting materials inside the device. The device’s core threaded post enables ideal placement, and its various sizes enhance the anatomical fit.
During the procedure, you will lie on your stomach on the surgical table. The surgeon will clean your lower back and numb it using a local anesthetic. They will then make a 1-inch incision and insert a spacer filled with bone grafting material through a chain of expanding dilators. When in place, the Minuteman® will expand and reinforce the interspinous-interlaminar space. The bone grafting material will bridge the two vertebral segments and halt movement in that spinal section.
The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, and post-operation recovery is one hour or less. Every patient is different, but patients generally have minimal to no postoperative pain. You can expect a full recovery in a few days.
Benefits of the Procedure
The Minuteman® procedure has many benefits over traditional fusion surgery:
- It takes less time and is a same-day procedure.
- You will have a smaller incision of about 1 inch.
- There is little blood loss.
- There is minimal tissue disruption of delicate back muscles, reducing tissue damage risk.
- It has a short recovery period of a few days to a week.
Minuteman® Procedure Eligibility
This procedure is ideal for patients with back and leg pain from trauma, degenerative disc disease, a tumor or spondylolisthesis. The Minuteman® procedure is also suitable for patients who can’t tolerate general anesthesia or handle traditional fusion surgery because of certain medical conditions. Your doctor may recommend the Minuteman® if you have:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows in the lower back, compressing the nerves and leading to pain, numbness or weakness in the legs and back.
- Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slips out of place and onto the one below it, causing pain and affecting nerve function.
- Degenerative disc disease: This is the wearing down of spinal discs. It is a natural part of aging but can lead to significant pain and spine instability.
Criteria for Candidacy
To be an ideal candidate for the Minuteman® procedure, you should:
- Have chronic leg and lower back pain attributable to the above conditions or similar spinal issues.
- Have tried treatments like medications, physical therapy and corticosteroid injections that haven’t worked.
- Not have significant spinal instability requiring a more extensive surgical intervention.
- Be in good health with no medical conditions that would hinder you from undergoing the procedure.
It’s crucial to meet these criteria to benefit from minimal recovery time, reduce infection risks and decrease nerve damage risks necessitating additional surgery.
Minuteman® Procedure Preparation
You must prepare for surgery for a successful procedure. Best practices for Minuteman® procedure preparation include:
- Fast for at least 12 hours before.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure.
- Have medical clearance from your primary physician.
- Check with your doctors if you are on medications like blood thinners or NSAIDs to know if you need to stop the medication.
This stage also includes preparation for your post-surgical care. Your doctor will give specific instructions after the procedure to ensure optimal recovery. Some common post-surgical instructions are:
- Avoid bending, lifting anything over 15 pounds or twisting for at least four to eight weeks. Don’t engage in strenuous activities like sports or sexual activities.
- Avoid scrubbing the surgical area for at least three days.
- Don’t take baths or submerge the incision site.
- Clean the area with water and soap, and change the bandage daily or when it gets wet.
- Report any incision site changes, like redness, swelling or bleeding, to your doctor.
- If recommended, do physical therapy at home or in a clinic.
Reach out to Spine INA for More Information
Learning about the Minuteman® procedure is essential to determine whether you meet the criteria, which can bolster the procedure’s success and shorten recovery time. It also minimizes the risk of nerve or tissue damage.
If you think you are a potential candidate for the Minuteman® procedure, visit Spine INA. Our spine experts will assess and treat your condition with the ideal solution. We strive to relieve your pain and revive your life.
Learn more about finding back pain relief with Spine INA. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.
