Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
03:14
Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
Published on: January 31, 2025
Interspinous process devices in the lumbar spine.
Christopher M Bono1, Alexander R Vaccaro
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Orthopaedic Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. bonocm@prodigy.net
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques
|May 3, 2007
Summary
Interspinous process devices aim to distract spinal segments for various conditions. Defining clear indications based on randomized controlled studies is crucial for these minimally invasive lumbar spine implants.
Area of Science:
- Spinal surgery
- Orthopedic implants
- Minimally invasive procedures
Background:
- Numerous interspinous process devices are available for the lumbar spine.
- Designs range from static spacers to dynamized implants, using materials like PEEK, titanium, and allografts.
- All devices mechanically distract spinous processes to influence the intervertebral relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanical goals and variable clinical applications of interspinous process devices.
- To emphasize the need for clearly defined indications for these minimally invasive lumbar spine procedures.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on interspinous process devices.
- Analysis of mechanical designs and reported clinical indications.
- Assessment of the current evidence base for device efficacy.
Main Results:
- Interspinous devices share a common mechanical goal of distraction.
- Clinical goals are diverse, including treatment for spinal stenosis, low back pain, and instability.
- Limited clinical data currently exists for many of these devices.
Conclusions:
- Clear indications for interspinous process devices are needed.
- Evidence from randomized controlled studies is essential for establishing appropriate clinical use.
- Further research is required to guide the selection and application of these implants.
Related Concept Videos
01:30General Structure of a Vertebra
A typical vertebra, with the exception of the sacrum and coccyx, consists of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven different projections termed processes. The anterior portion of the vertebrae, the body, supports about half the body’s weight. The vertebral bodies progressively increase in size and thickness from the cervical region to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. The intervertebral discs present between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae firmly unites them, forming a continuous column.
01:27Muscles of the Vertebral Column
The back muscles that lie deep into the thoracolumbar fascia are called intrinsic or true back muscles. These muscles are divided into four layers: superficial, intermediate, deep, and deepest layers.
Superficial Layer:
The superficial layer consists primarily of the splenius muscles, which include the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. These muscles are mainly responsible for the head and cervical spine movements, including extension, rotation, and lateral bending. The splenius capitis...
Superficial Layer:
The superficial layer consists primarily of the splenius muscles, which include the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. These muscles are mainly responsible for the head and cervical spine movements, including extension, rotation, and lateral bending. The splenius capitis...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:16Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature
The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and allows for their movements. It also protects the spinal cord.
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
Regions of the Vertebral Column
In an adult, the spine is subdivided into five regions: the cervical, the thoracic, the lumbar, the sacral, and the coccygeal region. The spine initially develops as a series of 33 vertebrae; after 20 years of age, the nine bones in the sacral region, five sacral, and four coccygeal bones fuse to form the...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...