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Minuteman® Procedure Q & A

What is the Minuteman procedure?

The Minuteman is a medical-grade spinal fusion device that can stabilize damaged areas of your thoracic (mid) or lumbar (lower) spine or the sacrum just above your tailbone.

This minimally invasive spine fusion surgery involves the placement of the Minuteman device and a bone graft to fuse two or more vertebrae. The fusion limits unnecessary movements in your spine that press on nearby nerves and trigger inflammation and pain.

The Minuteman procedure is less invasive than traditional open spine surgery and doesn’t require an extended recovery time. There’s also less risk for bleeding, infection, and other complications open surgery can cause.

By addressing the underlying cause of your pain through Minuteman surgery, you can achieve long-lasting pain relief and improve your overall mobility.

When should I consider the Minuteman procedure?

Advance Comprehensive Pain Care, Inc. offers Minuteman spinal fusion procedures as a treatment option for chronic leg or back pain that results from:

  • Tumors
  • Spine trauma
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Degenerative disc disease

Dr. Loomba may recommend the Minuteman procedure if medications, physical therapy, or other treatments aren’t providing sufficient pain relief. He uses in-office X-rays and other diagnostic imaging technologies to assess the health of your spine and determine if the Minuteman procedure is an option for you. 

What happens during the Minuteman procedure?

Advance Comprehensive Pain Care, Inc. provides Minuteman procedures on an outpatient basis, so you can expect to go home soon after your surgery.

Dr. Loomba numbs your lower back with a local anesthetic before making a small incision. He places locking plates and threads in the damaged area of your spine and holds them in place with a bone graft. Over time, the plates and bone graft fuse to your vertebrae, locking them in position to limit their movement.

Minuteman procedures typically take up to 30 minutes to complete. You may experience some soreness in the incision site for several days and should avoid strenuous activities while you heal.

Many people notice a reduction in pain within a week or two of their procedure. As you continue healing, your overall mobility should increase.

Call the Advance Comprehensive Spine Care, Inc. office near you to learn more about the Minuteman procedure, or book a consultation online today.