Minuteman

Minuteman® for Spine Fusion Q & A

The Minuteman® device is a minimally-invasive treatment option for low back and leg pain and functions as an alternative to higher-risk invasive spine surgery. During this short procedure, a device is implanted into the spine through a very small incision with the intention of stabilizing the spine, which may cause a reduction of back and leg pain. It is an alternative to screws and rods used in fixation and fusion surgeries. This procedure’s unique approach does not require the stripping of healthy soft tissue, which leads to less blood loss, less post-procedure pain, shorter procedures times, and faster recovery versus traditional spinal fusion methods.

What are the Features & Benefits

The Minuteman® device is a minimally invasive, interspinous-interlaminar fusion device intended for the fixation and stabilization of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine while awaiting bony fusion to occur. The Minuteman® is designed for attachment to the posterior non-cervical spine at the spinous processes through its bilateral locking plates, and it is intended for use with bone graft material placed within the device. It provides immobilization and stabilization of the spinal segments. The Minuteman is performed at what is considered a safer zone in the spine, which avoids potential damage to highly vascularized and neural structures. Often, The Minuteman can be performed with local anesthetic only, which also makes The Minuteman a viable treatment option for higher-risk patients who should avoid general anesthesia involved traditional spinal procedures because of their chronic health conditions.

How does spinal cord stimulation work?

Determining whether a spinal cord stimulator will work with a patient is two step process involving the trial and the implantation. The spinal cord stimulator trial is the phase where Dr. Racz ill implant a temporary device for the patient to test out. It’s guided by fluoroscopy or a special X-ray, that allows the doctor to inert electrodes into the epidural space of the spine. For about a week, the patients evaluate how the device helps reduce the pain and if the pain reduction is 50% or higher, the patient moves to the next phase. If unsuccessful, the wires are easily removed without any impacts to the nerves or spine.

Minimally Invasive

Alternative to traditional pedicle screws and other spinous process plates

Ligament Preservation

Of the supraspinous ligament helps maintain stabilization of the spine

5 Anatomical Sizes

(8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 16mm) to accomodate variations in patient anatomy

Low Profile

With 12mm removable portion of the implant body

Lateral MIS Approach

Eliminates the lateral dissection of the healthy tissue (neural monitoring is not required)

Safer Zone

Lateral MIS approach is above the facet joints, avoiding the neural and vascular structures

What are the Common Cases for Use?

The Minuteman® MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle supplemental fixation device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for use with bone graft material and is not intended for stand-alone use. The Minuteman® MIS Fusion Plate may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral (L1-S1) approach. It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving supplemental fusion in the following conditions:

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spondylolisthesis
Trauma
Tumor

To see if Minuteman® is a right fit for you, it’s important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Racz and his medical team to assess your injury but also recommend the most effective and personalized treatment plan. Schedule your appointment today.