Hello all, Dr. Ramin Rak here with another blog post.

Many of my posts have focused on complex neurosurgical techniques that I have used and still use, but I also specialize in completing complex spinal surgeries for individuals suffering from back pain. One of my specialties is the X-Stop Procedure, and I am one of only seven surgeons at Neurological Surgery, P.C. who complete this procedure. The others are Dr. Stephen D. Burnstein, Dr. William Sonstein, Dr. Benjamin Cohen, Dr. Artem Vaynman, Dr. Alan Mechanic, and Dr. Donald Krieff.

The X-Stop Procedure involves the insertion of a titanium implant called the X-Stop Spacer.

The spacer is placed in order to treat back pain and leg pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). LSS takes place when space between the vertebrae is reduced, as this lack of space causes bone or tissue to come in contact with the spinal nerve. Individuals who are suffering from LSS find relief when seated or bending over because these positions open up space between the vertebrae. The X-Stop Procedure draws inspiration from this concept, using the X-Stop Spacer to lift the vertebrae off of the pinched nerve and provide long-term relief.

A diagram of the X-Stop Spacer following placement.

I complete the minimally invasive X-Stop Procedure by surgically inserting the X-Stop Spacer between two bones in the back of the spine; usually L3/4 or L4/5.

The surgical site is located between the posterior spinous processes, which is an area you can feel for yourself by running a finger along your spine. The X-Stop Spacer stays in place by working with one’s natural spinal anatomy, which means that the procedure is completed without using screws or needing to be attached to bones or ligaments.

The X-Stop Procedure takes between 50 and 90 minutes, and patients are able to walk around shortly after the anesthesia wears off. Patients see results immediately after the procedure, as they will no longer experience back pain when standing or walking around.

Learn more about the X-Stop Procedure by visiting their website, or leave a comment below if you still have questions.

Thank you for reading,

Dr. Ramin Rak