Press Release
Elmhurst Memorial Hospital offers innovative solution to treat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
For immediate release, October 6, 2009
Contact
Kyle Bauer, Public Relations Coordinator, 630-993-5702
ELMHURST — Throughout the past decade, the number of people being diagnosed with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) has been steadily increasing to the point where it is now the most common reason for back surgery in people over the age of 65. And until recently, there was no minimally invasive treatment to relieve the symptoms that result from a narrowing of the spinal canal that carries nerves to the legs.
When the spinal canal narrows as a result of LSS, nerves passing through it are compressed, leading to pain in the back, buttocks and legs. Previously, the only treatments available involved management through medications or a procedure to remove parts of bone and tissue. Elmhurst Memorial Hospital (EMH) now offers another option for patients – a new minimally invasive procedure that has been clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of LSS.
The new approach involves using a titanium alloy implant that is designed to limit extension of the lumbar spine and keep the canal open. The X-STOP® device is implanted during a minimally invasive procedure that has low complication rates and can be done under local anesthesia.
“A good candidate for the X-STOP procedure is someone aged 50 or older whose physical function is moderately impaired and who experiences relief from pain when bending forward,” say Ryon Hennessy, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon on the EMH Medical Staff who is now performing the procedure.
The X-STOP device is the first to be approved in the U.S. to treat symptoms of LSS by reducing pain and improving physical function.
“This new procedure fills the gap in the continuum of care that, until now, required my patients to make the leap from conservative therapies, such as pain management medications and physical therapy, straight to invasive surgery,” said Dr. Hennessy.
Dr. Hennessy will provide more information on the treatment options associated with LSS during an event at 6:30 p.m. on October 28 at the Elmhurst Memorial Center for Health (1200 S. York Road, Elmhurst). He will discuss management of the disease as well as ways to relieve the symptoms of this painful condition.
Please click here to register for this free event or call CareMatch at (630) 782-7878.