Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
A Spine Robotic-Assisted Navigation System for Pedicle Screw Placement
Published on: May 11, 2020
Real world adverse events of interspinous spacers using Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience data
Nitish Aggarwal1, Robert Chow1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA.
Background:
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition of progressive neurogenic claudication that can be managed with lumbar decompression surgery or less invasive interspinous process devices after failed conservative therapy. Popular interspinous process spacers include X-Stop, Vertiflex and Coflex, with X-Stop being taken off market due to its adverse events profile.
Methods:
A disproportionality analysis was conducted to determine whether a statistically significant signal exists in the three interspinous spacers and the reported adverse events using the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database maintained by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Results:
Statistically significant signals were found with each of the three interspinous spacer devices (Coflex, Vertiflex, and X-Stop) and each of the following adverse events: fracture, migration, and pain/worsening symptoms.
Conclusions:
Further studies such as randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the findings.
