The Minuteman Procedure

The Minuteman Procedure

The Minuteman is an inter-spinous spacer and fusion device for fixation and stabilization of thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. The procedure is indicated for patients who have back or leg pain due to degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, tumor or trauma. The Minuteman is less invasive than traditional fusion surgery and it may be a better option for patients who cannot handle traditional fusion surgery due to their medical conditions or cannot tolerate general anesthesia.

How is the procedure performed?

You will be positioned lying on your stomach on the procedure table. The lower back is cleaned and then numbed with a local anesthetic; you will also receive intravenous anesthesia by an anesthetist. Your surgeon will make a small incision on the side of your body, dilation is used to access the spine and the Minuteman is implanted with a bone graft. The procedure is done under fluoroscopy (x-ray) guidance. The procedure takes less than 60 minutes.

Who is a candidate for the Minuteman?

If you suffer from chronic back and leg pain, and have not found relief from conservative treatments, your doctor may recommend minimally invasive spinal fusion. The following questions will help determine if the Minuteman G3R System is 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 questions, you may be a candidate for implantation of the Minuteman G3R.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

Generally, this procedure is safe and effective. As with all procedures, there are some risks, including:

• The procedure may not provide adequate relief
• You may need additional surgery to relieve pain
• Infection or bleeding