Interspinous Distraction Devices

Moderate lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with neurogenic claudication (NC) often affects older individuals. Until the last few years, there has been a vacuum in the continuum of care between mild to severe LSS. Indirect decompression with interspinous distraction, extension-limiting, devices has successfully treated this patient population with less morbidity and mortality, decreased postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, decreased opioid use, high satisfaction, and improved quality-of-life measurements, which has been sustainable. It is now considered a first-line option for the treatment of this group of patients. Literature results covering indications, contraindications, and the procedure itself with potential complications will be discussed in this chapter. In summary, this minimally invasive procedure’s safety and efficacy have been established in moderate LSS with NC.