One of the many techniques used over the years by Dr. Goldstein when appropriate is minimally invasive lumbar fusion utilizing the Sextant system.

The CD HORIZON® SEXTANT™ Spinal System allows surgeons to deliver and apply screw and rod implants to the posterior aspect of the spine without the major muscle and tissue disruption encountered with traditional spinal fusion surgeries. This minimally invasive technique potentially allows significant patient benefits.

• Shorter hospital stays – one to three days vs. up to a week with open surgery
• Smaller scars – one-inch scars vs. six- to eight-inch scars
• Shorter recovery periods
• Less post-operative pain – no muscle cutting or stripping

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a process using bone graft to cause two opposing vertebrae to grow, or “weld,” together. To ensure position and rigid alignment while fusion takes place, surgeons apply spinal instruments, or implants, such as screws and rods to the spine. These implants are joined together to maintain spinal stability and are rarely removed. Spinal fusion and implants are used to restore stability to the spine, correct deformity and bridge spaces created by the removal of damaged spinal elements such as discs.

PDF describing the Sextant system.