The Minuteman® is a minimally invasive, interspinous-interlaminar fusion device intended for the stabilization and fusion of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine. It is designed for attachment to the posterior non-cervical spine at the spinous processes through its bilateral fixation plates, and it is intended for use with bone graft material placed within the device.
The Minuteman® provides immobilization, stabilization, and fusion of the spinal segments. The core threaded post allows for optimal placement and a wide range of sizes allows for enhanced anatomical fit.
Conditions Treated
The Minuteman® MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for use with bone graft material.
The Minuteman® MIS Fusion Plate may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral (L1-S1) approach. It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions: Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, and Spondylolisthesis.
Minuteman® Procedure
Testimonials
“The Minuteman® device allows me to back up a lateral lumbar interbody fusion with posterior fixation using the least invasive approach. The Minuteman® allows me to perform posterior fusion and stabilization through the same incisions used for the lateral interbody fusion avoiding the morbidity of a direct posterior approach and allowing for a single position 360 fusion.”
Dr. Frank Phillips, MD
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
“The Minuteman® interspinous-interlaminar fusion device by Spinal Simplicity is a great addition to my practice.
“The Minuteman® implant provides indirect decompression with posterior stabilization through a minimally invasive approach. When performing a direct lateral interbody fusion approach, I like to deploy the Minuteman® device through the same incision. In addition, I use the Minuteman device in conjunction with an expandable posterior interbody cage to provide a 360-degree fusion of the spine. Placement of the Minuteman® device can be performed through either a lateral or prone position and the entire operation often takes less than 20 minutes.
“There is a large graft window with a titanium cage that provides an excellent fusion scaffold. The muscle-sparing approach eliminates dead space where a hematoma or infection can develop. This is a significant benefit in high-risk patients and an ideal option for patients in the outpatient or ambulatory surgery setting.”
As the saying goes, “she knew better, but she did it anyway.” A sky diving injury, the inevitable aging process, and repetitive physical activity all contributed to my back issues, mainly at the L4-L5. After exhausting years of physical therapy, injections, medication, chiropractor care, and a declining quality of life, I was led to in-office
surgeon evaluations.
The options presented seemed daunting: in situ fusion or spinal rods. The in situ has a lower success rate and wouldn’t correct the height or position of my spine. The rods could create a domino effect for further surgeries. A family friend suggested researching the LLIF fusion, in conjunction with the Minuteman®. The LLIF is a lateral interbody fusion, where the disc is removed and replaced with an implant containing a bone graft that sets the stage for fusion. The Minuteman® immobilizes
and stabilizes the spinal segments.
This was a win-win for me! A minimally invasive fusion done laterally that resulted in shorter surgical time, an outpatient scenario, reduce pain from surgery, minimal tissue damage, small side incision scars, and quicker recovery time to normal function.
There are no words that can express my gratitude for the LLIF and Minuteman® combination. I’m grateful that I will continue my active lifestyle with family and friends!
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago