1661 – Implantation of minimally invasive interspinous decompression spacers for moderate degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis

New MBS item.

Interspinous decompression spacers (IDSs) were designed to treat symptoms of intermittent NIC, secondary to moderate degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). They are implanted by minimally-invasive methods. When implanted between spinous processes of symptomatic level(s), IDSs stabilise and increase the interspinous distance and prevent the excessive dorsiflexion. There are a number of IDSs registered for use in Australia, including the device manufactured by the applicant, but some are used in addition to decompression surgery. The applicant’s IDS device is intended for use as an alternative to traditional decompression surgery (most often, laminectomy), with or without surgical fusion. The applicant states the main advantages of an IDS (relative to current approaches) include providing equivalent effectiveness, significantly fewer and less serious risks and complications, and less hospitalisation time (due to the minimally-invasive implantation procedure).

Type: Therapeutic

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a disabling medical condition, where narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the spinal cord and nerves, causing a condition called neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC). NIC can lead to pain or discomfort that radiates to the lower leg, thigh, and/or buttocks while walking. Patients with more pronounced LSS may also develop lower extremity weakness, muscle cramping, numbness, imbalance and difficulties controlling bowel and bladder function. The most common cause of LSS is the 'wear and tear' that occurs with natural ageing and osteoarthritis.

• PASC meeting: 15 to 16 April 2021
• ESC meeting: 7 to 8 October 2021
• MSAC meeting: 25 to 26 November 2021