Our commitment to utilizing cutting-edge medical technologies allows us to provide the highest standard of care. In this blog on spinal fusion techniques, we’ll focus on StabiLink, an outpatient surgical solution we incorporate into the TPC Spine Fuse.
- What is StabiLink?
- What is the procedure for StabiLink?
- What are pros and cons of the StabiLink Procedure?
- How does TPC utilize StabiLink?
What is StabiLink?
StabiLink (MIS Interlaminar Spinal Fixation System) is an outpatient medical procedure that uses small implants on the spinal cord to stabilize the spine and protect it from pressure, compression, and potential damage. It’s designed to relieve pain in patients with spine-related conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, lumbar spinal stenosis, and disc herniation.
What is the Procedure for StabiLink?
In the StabiLink procedure, 2-4 cm incisions are made for implant insertions between the spinous processes outside the spinal canal. The implants fuse the segments of the spinous processes and add sturdiness to the spine to prevent the bones from shifting and causing stability problems and pain.
The implant has a small diameter wide-spike design with 16 spikes per implant over a more extensive area. More specifically, StabiLink is designed to limit motion in lateral bending, axial rotation, and flexion or extension. Implants come in different designs and sizes to ensure the best fit for each patient.
What are Pros and Cons of the Stabilink Procedure?
| Stabilink Procedure Pros | Stabilink Procedure Cons |
|---|---|
| – Minimally invasive style allows for a shorter overall procedure time – Outpatient patients can leave on the day of surgery – Provides stability – Relieves chronic pain – Alternative option for those who tried traditional treatments – Increases functionality | – Possible loss of motion – Risk of infection, nerve damage, and blood clots – May cause adverse reactions to anesthesia – May require further surgery if the desired outcome isn’t achieved – Prolonged recovery time to regain strength and function |
How Does TPC Utilize Stabilink?
Our TPC Spine Fuse is a minimally invasive spinal fusion solution for patients with spinal degeneration related to stenosis and spondylolisthesis. We utilize StabiLink as one of our several surgical solutions. TPC Spine Fuse works to alleviate pain due to pressure on the spinal cord and instability that causes painful movements of the vertebrate.
In the TPC Spine Fuse, StabiLink creates a smaller incision that goes into the back under live X-ray guidance. A device is placed between the spinous processes that fuse the segment. This gives the back stability, where the bones shift forward and backward. Our procedure can also be done through alternative approaches (a posterior, oblique, or lateral approach) depending on each individual’s needs.
