Stabilink
Interlaminar fixation and posterior fusion with demineralized bone matrix
Stabilink is a device that is placed between the spinous processes at a level with degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis(“slip”), with or without secondary spinal stenosis. Degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis are leading causes of pain in the back and legs. These degenerative processes lead to progressive disability. The procedure can be performed at one or two spinal levels. It is placed through a small incision in the middle of the back away from the spinal cord and spinal nerves, making it a very safe and minimally invasive option to stabilize the spine. The device contains multiple spikes to fixate it on the lamina and spinous processes. Once the device is in place, bone graft is placed between and along the spinous processes to optimize bony fixation. The goal of the procedure is to reduce motion. Micromotion is what causes pain and dysfunction. Unlike more traditional fusions, this procedure preserves some motion, which likely decreases the incidence of degeneration at adjacent levels. The procedure can be performed in an hour or less, as and outpatient and with minimal blood loss. Recovery from this procedure is much faster, than more invasive surgical options. The procedure can be performed with moderate to deep sedation and does not always require general anesthesia.