Motion Preservation Therapy with COFLEX®: An Innovative Alternative to Spinal Fusion

Spinal stenosis can turn simple activities into a struggle. Walking, standing, and even getting through the day may bring on back or leg pain, numbness, or weakness. When stenosis affects quality of life, surgery may become part of the potential treatment plan. 

For years, spinal fusion has been one of the standard surgical options for patients who need decompression and additional stabilization. However, fusion isn’t the only choice for today’s patients. 

At Seattle Spine Institute in Seattle, Washington, our experienced spine specialists treat all types of back issues, including spinal stenosis. We now offer COFLEX® Interlaminar Stabilization®, a motion-preserving treatment for patients seeking an alternative to traditional spinal fusion and looking forward to an active, energetic life after spinal surgery.

Spinal fusion vs. COFLEX for spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is another way to say that the spaces around the spinal nerves have become too narrow. This can cause back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. 

Decompression surgery creates more room for the nerves. After decompression, many patients traditionally have spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae together with a surgery that leaves little wiggle room in that area of the spine.

In contrast, COFLEX is a small, U-shaped, interspinous titanium implant that helps restabilize the spine after decompression. Since the COFLEX procedure doesn’t involve fusion, there’s typically more flexibility left after the surgery. 

Why COFLEX?

When it comes to spinal surgery, we keep in mind that your spine isn't meant to be completely rigid. When surgeons fuse a spinal segment, the levels above and below it usually experience changes in how they move and carry loads. This can cause stiffness and inflexibility.

COFLEX is designed to preserve motion at the treated level rather than eliminate it. COFLEX isn’t automatically better than fusion and isn't right for everyone. Your anatomy, diagnosis, spinal stability, and overall health all matter when you’re choosing a procedure with your surgeon’s advice. 

At Seattle Spine Institute, our spine specialists use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. We also believe you should understand your options before deciding on surgery. Dr. Schwaegler evaluates your symptoms, imaging, and overall spinal health before recommending you as a candidate for COFLEX.

Advantages of COFLEX

The goal of COFLEX is straightforward: relieve pressure on the nerves while allowing the treated part of the spine to move, potentially letting you maintain your daily activities, including sports and hobbies.

In one clinical trial, patients who received COFLEX maintained motion at the treated level and reported improvements in pain and function. The trial also found shorter operating times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays among COFLEX patients compared with those who underwent decompression and fusion. 

COFLEX won’t be right for every person with spinal stenosis. The FDA has approved it only for certain skeletally mature patients with one- or two-level lumbar spinal stenosis from L1-L5 who have tried non-operative treatment for at least six months. 

If spinal stenosis is getting in the way of your life, call Seattle Spine Institute at 206-322-1765 or request an appointment online.