Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates & the Justin Parker Neurological Institute Participating in Clinical Trial for Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

BOULDER, Colo., July 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates (BNA) and the Justin Parker Neurological Institute (JPNI) are among approximately 30 sites in the United States participating in the ACADIA® investigational clinical trial. The trial seeks to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ACADIA® Facet Replacement System, an investigational device for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). In standard decompression surgery with fusion, the vertebrae are fused together after the spinal cord and neural elements are decompressed. This device is designed to replace degenerated facet joints while restoring normal stability and motion in the lumbar spine.

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In LSS, the spinal canal narrows and causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in back and leg pain. According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), an estimated 8 percent to 11 percent of the US population suffers from LSS. This condition affects the middle-aged and elderly population and is the most common indication for surgery in patients over the age of 60. As baby boomers age, an estimated 2.4 million Americans will be affected by LSS by 2021.

"We carefully consider this surgery for our patients after an extensive course of medications, physical therapy, injections and other means of conservative care have failed," said Principal Investigator, Alan Villavicencio, MD. "The ACADIA® Facet Replacement System includes implants that mimic the natural facet joints in the lumbar spine to allow motion, so the potential benefit of this treatment may include lower risk of degeneration at the adjacent spinal levels. What is also important, all study-related care will be provided at no cost to the qualifying patients."

Selected Eligibility Criteria:

• Male and female patients ages 21-85
• ŸHave persistent leg, thigh and/or buttock symptoms, including pain, numbness, burning or tingling
• ŸHave had at least six (6) months of conservative care
• ŸLikely to return for follow-up visits
• ŸAble to follow postoperative management program

Patients diagnosed with LSS may call BNA at 303.938.5700 to schedule a consultation at any of our five locations throughout Northern Colorado.

Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates
Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates (BNA) is a comprehensive neurosurgical practice specializing in minimally invasive procedures with multiple satellite locations located throughout Northern Colorado and in Boulder, Brighton, Lafayette, Longmont and Louisville. BNA has been in practice for more than 10 years and was named #1 neurosurgery program in the Denver Metro area. BNA is one of the few practices in the country with expertise in both orthopedic and neurosurgical spine care, specializing in the areas of minimally invasive, spinal deformity and major reconstructive spine surgery. BNA surgeons have been extensively published and have presented at multiple national and international meetings on the most up-to-date surgical and non-surgical techniques. BNA surgeons founded the Justin Parker Neurological Institute (JPNI), a fully accredited nonprofit organization whose principle purpose is to conduct clinical research, advance knowledge and practice medicine through innovations in clinical technology, while providing evidence-based clinical guidelines and education to health care professionals. For more information visit http://www.bnasurg.com/treatments-facet-replacement.php and find BNA on BNA Facebook,  BNA Twitter and YouTube.  

SOURCE Justin Parker Neurological Institute