Interspinous process devices for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease

Abstract

A growing number of interspinous process devices are currently under evaluation for use in the management of lumbar degenerative disease. Although some clinical and biomechanical evidence exists for several of these devices, their individual indications of use and effectiveness are still in the early stages of investigation. The only FDA-approved device available at present is the X-Stop (Kyphon, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA; Medtronic, Memphis, TN), which has indications for use in the management of neurogenic claudication resulting from lumbar stenosis. In this review, we highlight the role of these devices in the management of lumbar spine disease, their proposed mechanisms of action, and areas for future development.