The Minuteman® System for Spinal Fusion

Severe degenerative back diseases can cause weakness or instability of the spine, which can lead to debilitating pain in the lower back, and extend into your buttocks, legs or feet. If you suffer from these symptoms, and have not found relief from conservative treatments, the physicians of Precision Pain Care can help. Dr. Linehan has been trained in an innovative, minimally invasive spinal fusion technique called the “Minuteman® System.”

Unlike a typical more intrusive spinal fusion procedure using screws and rods, the Minuteman System® is an outpatient procedure with shorter recovery times, and less damage to surrounding tissue. This makes it especially attractive to patients physically unable to handle traditional bone fusion surgery with long recovery periods.

What is the Minuteman?

The Minuteman® is a minimally invasive fusion device inserted between two spinous processes, or the interspinous-interlaminar space (See Graphic Above) with the intent of fixing and stabilizing spinal vertebrae of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. During the procedure, a 1-inch incision is made on the side of your body. A spacer pre-loaded with bone grafting material is inserted through a series of expanding dilators, or tubes. Once in place, the Minuteman® device expands, widening and reinforcing the interspinous-interlaminar space. The bone grafting material then forms a bridge between the two vertebral segments, fusing them together and stopping movement in that section of the spine.

The Procedure typically lasts anywhere between 30-60 minutes, significantly shorter than a typical spinal fusion surgery. Most procedures are done in an outpatient format with post operation recovery less than an hour. All cases are different, and there are no guarantees, but patients typically leave with little-to-no postoperative pain. Full recovery is expected in a few days to a week.

Benefits of Minuteman® Procedure vs. a typical bone fusion operation

• Reduced procedure time—typically 30-60 minutes
• Smaller incision— about 1-inch
• Minimal blood loss
• Minimal tissue disruption of sensitive back muscles, bones or nerves, reducing the risk of tissue damage
• Same day surgery
• Little to no postoperative pain
• Reduced recovery period—typically several days to a week

Likely Candidates of the Minuteman® Procedure may have the following conditions

• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Spondylolisthesis

Patient Testimonial

Is the Minuteman® System right for you?

• Does your back or leg pain worsen with prolonged standing or walking?
• Does your back or leg pain improve while you are sitting?
• Does leaning forward improve your pain?

If you answered yes to any of these, you may be a candidate. Ask your doctor about the best way to treat your back and/or leg pain. Your doctor will decide if minimally invasive spine surgery is the right choice for your condition.

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