An Evaluation of Interlaminar Lumbar Instrumented (ILIF™)

Interlaminar lumbar instrumented fusion (ILIF™) is a compound surgical solution to spinal stenosis, combining direct neural decompression with an allograft interspinous spacer (ExtenSure® H2) to maintain the segmental distraction, and a spinous process fixation plate (Affix™) to maintain stability for eventual segmental fusion. Because this compound solution requires only a midline incision rather than the far lateral exposure necessary in posterolateral fusion with pedicle screws, it is less invasive to the patient, and therefore should result in less postoperative pain and disability, broadening the applicability of the procedure to even those advanced in age or with existing comorbidities. Subjects will be followed for 24 months following surgery to determine the changes in ODI scores from preoperative to baseline assessments. This data will be compared to published data on similar procedures.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient is over 40 years of age;
• Patient is diagnosed with single-level lumbar degenerative disc disease between L1-L2 and L4-L5 with evidence of disc collapse and symptomatic claudication with or without back pain and requires surgical intervention;
• Patient is unresponsive to conservative treatment greater than or equal to six month 6 months, or exhibits progressive neurological symptoms in the face of conservative treatment;
• Patient is willing and able to comply with the requirements defined in the protocol for the duration of the study;
• Patient has signed and dated Informed Consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with lumbar pathologies requiring surgical treatment at more than one level;
• Patients with spondylolisthesis > grade 1;
• Patients with lytic spondylolisthesis or a defect of the pars interarticularis;
• Patients with prior lumbar surgery at or adjacent to the operative level;
• Patients with spinal metastases or active spinal tumor malignancy;
• Progressive neuromuscular disease, e.g., muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis;
• Present chronic steroid use;
• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disease;
• Patients who are pregnant or interested in becoming pregnant within the follow-up period of the study;
• Patients with a history of substance abuse;
• Patients involved in active spinal litigation;
• Patients receiving workman's compensation for spinal conditions;
• Patients who are mentally incompetent;
• Patients who are incarcerated;
• Patients who are unwilling or unable to comply with the follow-up protocol schedule of visits and assessments.