Is X-Stop better or worse than minimally invasive decompression?
A group of researchers gathered data on X-Stop and minimally invasive decompression patients and published their findings in Spine.
There were 96 patients enrolled in the study, with the average age being 50 years to 85 years old. Which one was better? The researchers found:
1. Both X-Stop and minimally invasive decompression led to significant symptom improvement for patients.
2. There weren't any differences in the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire at any of the follow-ups.
3. However, there were several patients who had secondary surgery due to persistent or recurrent symptoms. These patients were primarily in the X-Stop group.
4. The complication rate was similar between the two groups — and low — but the rate was more severe in the minimally invasive decompression group.
5. Both groups reported clinically significant improvement at six weeks and two years.