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Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion

Treating low back and leg pain without surgery - an effective treatment with a quick recovery time

Low back pain and leg pain caused by a spine problem are common complaints in people with spinal instability. Spinal instability is a condition where the spine becomes overly lax and the vertebrae (backbones) start to shift excessively. It creates problems in the low back, such as friction in the spine joints, pressure on the spinal cord, and pinching of the spinal nerves.

Contact National Spine & Pain Centers to schedule an appointment with an affiliated pain specialist for Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion treatment today.

Spinal instability may cause:

  • stiffness and low back pain
  • shooting leg pains
  • tingling in a band pattern in the leg(s)
  • weakness with walking

Spinal instability increases with aging due to a normal wear-and-tear in the spine, but may increase with traumas, sports injuries, and arthritis.

What is the Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion?

The Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that treats back and leg pain caused by spinal instability. It allows patients to quickly improve the quality of their lives without having to undergo a major back surgery.

It is used when basic treatments like physical therapy, oral medications, and epidurals (pain-numbing injections for the back) fail.

The Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion is available for people with back or leg pain and one (or more) of the following diagnoses:

  • Spinal stenosis - a narrowing of the spinal column that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Lumbar radiculopathy - increased pressure on a spinal nerve in the low back that causes leg pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling.
  • Spondylolisthesis - a shift between two backbones that may pinch a spinal nerve and cause leg pain (lumbar radiculopathy).

Click on the conditions above, to find out more.

How is the Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion done?

The pain specialist makes a tiny incision in the back and places an Aurora ZIP Interspinous Spacer between two backbones, at a place where the spine is unstable. The spacer is a small metal device that acts as a bridge between two backbones, to strengthen and straighten the spine. This reinforcement of the spine is known as a fusion.

Traditionally, a fusion is achieved through an extensive back surgery that requires general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and several months of home recovery. By comparison, the Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion can fuse the spine with minimal blood loss, using only intravenous (IV) sedation. The patient goes home the same day, and the recovery lasts only one week.

How often is the Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion done?

The Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion is a one-time procedure. However, Aurora ZIP spacers can be placed at other spine levels at a future time, if needed.

What are the results after this procedure?

In a study conducted at National Spine and Pain Centers, 32 elderly patients were treated with the Aurora ZIP Lumbar Fusion.

  • The average pain reduction was 73%
  • Patients become more active and reduced their medications
  • No complications occurred

Is there a longer-lasting treatment?

The Aurora ZIP Fusion is a long-term treatment that provides pain relief for months to years on end. It is used in people with mild-to-moderate spinal instability. If the spine continues to degenerate and a patient has severe spinal instability, traditional back surgery may become necessary.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS

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