Minuteman G5 Fusion Plate
The Minuteman G5 Fusion Plate is designed to be an interspinous fusion and spacer device for stabilization and fixation of the sacral, lumbar, and thoracic spine. It is designed to be a treatment for patients who have spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, trauma, or tumor.
Compared to traditional fusion surgery, the Minuteman is less invasive. It could be a better solution for those who are not fit for surgery to the inability to tolerate anesthesia or certain medical conditions.
There are many symptoms that you might have a health issue that could be helped by the use of the Minuteman G5. With spondylolisthesis, the most common signs include:
- Aggravation of the area in all positions and movements
- Pain that can come on and leave sporadically
Increased pain when engaging in activities - Leg pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness
- Poor balance
- Less walking stride length and decreased gait speed
Loss of disk height also has symptoms, some of which are not the same as for spondylolisthesis. The signs of this issue include:
- Worse pain when walking and standing
- Posture issues
- Use of walkers and canes
- Better when sitting than while lying flat
- Leg and back pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness.
If you have long-lasting leg and back pain but other treatments have not provided relief, a physician might recommend spinal fusion as the next step. A few different questions will give insight into whether this treatment might be right for your situation.
- Does your pain improve when leaning forward?
- Does the pain get worse when walking or standing for long periods?
- Does the pain get better when you are in a seated position?
For those who answered yes to one of the questions above, the Minuteman G5 system may be something that will help. It could help your pain after implantation.
There are a variety of benefits associated with the Minuteman G5 compared to an open posterior approach. Some of these include:
- A shorter procedure time
- Same-day surgery available
- Very little to no pain after the procedure
- Little tissue disruption
- Decreased blood loss
- Small one-inch incision
- Can be placed at L5 through S1
- Supraspinous ligament stays intact
First, you will lie down on your stomach on a medical table. Your lower back will be cleaned and a local anesthetic will numb the area. In addition, an anesthetist will provide intravenous anesthesia to prevent any pain during the procedure.
The doctor will make a tiny incision on the side of the body. Dilation is then used to gain access to the spine. It will be implanted using a bone graft. In large part, the procedure is done using x-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance. All in all, it takes less than an hour.
Modern Pain Consultants offer treatments for a variety of pain conditions. Our focus is on education, treatment, and recovery for those suffering from pain. We offer the Minuteman G5 fusion plate, as well as other solutions for patients suffering from leg and back pain.