Innovative, Reversible Solution Treats Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Contact: Susan Hall, 214- 820-1817
Email: susanh@baylorhealth.edu

(PLANO, TEXAS – March 3, 2008) – Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common spinal problem suffered mainly by people over 50 and is often associated with leg, buttock, groin and some times back pain. A new, less invasive procedure helps bring patients relief from symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) through the X-STOP^® IPD^® procedure.

The 45-to-90 minute, reversible procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and involves implanting a titanium alloy device into the spine. Because standing upright provokes LSS symptoms, the implant is designed to limit painful extension of the lumbar spine and keep the canal open. In addition, the procedure has a low complication rate and is the first FDA approved device used in the United States to treat symptoms of LSS.

"This new less invasive procedure provides a new treatment option for patients suffering from moderate LSS. Previously, many patients were faced with choosing between conservative therapies, such as pain management medications and physical therapy, or invasive surgery such as a laminectomy," states Jeremy Denning, M.D., neurosurgeon on the Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano medical staff.

A laminectomy involves removing parts of the bone and tissue that are narrowing the spinal canal. It is an open and invasive surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia.

Potential patient benefits of the procedure include:

• Minimally invasive surgical procedure
• Does not require general anesthesia; can be done under a local anesthetic as an outpatient procedure
• Typically no bone or soft tissue removal
• The implant is removable and does not prevent a patient from undergoing surgery at a later time
• Quicker recovery time

"A good candidate for the procedure is someone aged 50 or older whose physical function is moderately impaired and who experiences relief from pain when bending forward," said Dr. Denning.

Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano is a 128-bed acute care hospital committed to serving North Texas residents with personalized care and advanced technology. Services include treatment for advanced spine deformities at the Baylor Scoliosis Center, neurosciences, orthopaedics, medical and radiation oncology, surgical weight loss, women's services, gynecology, urology, gastroenterology, pulmonary, sleep disorders, pain management, and diabetes management. The hospital has won several quality awards including the Texas Health Care Quality Improvement Award of Excellence and is designated a Nurse-Friendly^TM hospital by Texas Nurses Association.

For fiscal year 2007, Baylor Health Care System will report $390 million* in community benefit, which includes providing care for charity patients and patients enrolled in government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, as well as the unreimbursed costs of medical education, research and community programs.

*Represents preliminary information that will be reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services.