1. Why can’t I wear a brace to keep my low back out of extension (painful sway in the back)?

You can have a brace prescribed but patients rarely find them helpful. A simple corset brace or girdle helps some but to hold your low back out of extension requires a very stiff, uncomfortable, and large brace. The X-Stop prosthesis is like an internal brace, working for the patient comfortably at all times.

2. Why should I take epidural steroid injections? Aren’t they only temporary and mostly ineffective?

You will be able to resume most sedentary activities if the procedure is successful. For some patients they may be able to resume more strenuous activities such as playing golf.

3. Can this procedure be performed on all patients with lumbar spinal stenosis?

No, this procedure is only indicated for patients with more moderate stenosis that is limited to one or two disc levels in the spine.

4. How long does it take to recover from an X-stop operation?

No, this procedure is only indicated for patients with more moderate stenosis that is limited to one or two disc levels in the spine.

1. What can I do other than surgery for my spinal stenosis condition?

The most fundamental and important treatment is being devoted to maintaining the pelvic tilt posture program. That is eliminating the sway in your back while standing, walking, or arising to stand. However  lumbar epidural steroid blocks can help recovery from a bad episode of pain and limitation. In addition, minimally invasive surgery like the X-stop procedure is sometimes possible and may help avoid more aggressive  conventional surgery. Actually, a recent report demonstrated results  for conventional surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis yielded results similar to those for total hip replacement and better than total knee replacement at 2 year follow-up.

2. Why should I take epidural steroid injections? Aren’t they only temporary and mostly ineffective?

Lumbar epidural injections are not just a cover-up or band-aid. They have a therapeutic effect that help patients to return to a functional level similar to their severe episode. They are sometimes “like a miracle” that may be helpful for 6 months or much longer. Although they are frequently ineffective they provide an opportunity to avoid undesirable surgery until which time surgery may be more appropriate.

3. Will the spinal stenosis get worse?

Yes, but it may take many years before the condition is severe enough to require surgery. You shouldn’t worry about waking up one day devastated by this condition as long as you monitor your symptoms and ability to function on your feet  with the aid of your doctor. 

Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic has created an orthopaedic environment, which enables us to treat all types of orthopaedic problems and musculoskeletal diseases. We strive to offer the latest technological advances in orthopaedic care including onsite extremity MRI and custom orthotic services. All of our surgeons are board certified in orthopaedic surgery and have completed specialized training. This specialized training includes custom total joint replacement; arthroscopic procedures of the knee, shoulder and ankle; surgery of the spine; foot and ankle disorders and sports medicine.