When treating severe lumbar spinal stenosis and Grade I degenerative spondylolisthesis, standard surgical decompression relieves nerve pressure but often destabilizes the facet joints. Historically, correcting this instability required a rigid spinal fusion, which completely eliminates motion across the segment.

Facet Neoarthrosis represents a paradigm shift in motion-preservation spine surgery LimiFlex. By utilizing the newly FDA-approved LimiFlex® Dynamic Sagittal Tether, we can structurally stabilize the spine without forcing a solid bony fusion. LimiFlex functions as an artificial tension band wrapped securely around the spinous processes: essentially adding a third facet. This unique dynamic construct creates an ideal mechanical environment that reduces translation while actively promoting healthy, controlled facet engagement—effectively creating a functional, stable neoarthrosis. 

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​Clinical Benefits of Dynamic Stabilization vs. Traditional Fusion

Establishing a stable facet neoarthrosis Healthcare Professionals - LimiFlex — Empirical Spine using the pedicle-sparing LimiFlex device provides significant physiological advantages over standard fusion techniques:

Preservation of Biomechanical Motion: Rather than eliminating movement, it maintains natural segmental flexibility, allowing you to twist, bend, and move comfortably.

Reduction of Adjacent Segment Stress: By avoiding the rigid stiffness of a fusion, it safeguards the adjacent vertebrae above and below the surgical site from accelerated wear and tear.

No Pedicle Screws or Bone Grafts: The device secures naturally to the posterior elements without penetrating the spinal canal or requiring extensive bone harvesting

Minimally Invasive & Outpatient Ready: Implantation can typically be completed quickly following standard decompression, reducing time under anesthesia and facilitating same-day, outpatient discharge for qualifying individuals.

​Accelerated Post-Operative Recovery: Patients routinely experience faster return to light physical work, daily activities, and mobility milestones compared to rigid fusions.

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​Who is a Candidate for This Procedure?

​A dynamic stabilization or facet neoarthrosis protocol is ideal for patients who require decompression to treat spinal narrowing but demonstrate underlying segmental instability. Typical indications include:

1. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis resulting in neurogenic claudication (leg pain, heaviness, or weakness when walking).
2. Grade I Degenerative Spondylolisthesis with competent facets capable of resisting high shear loads.

A comprehensive review of your advanced diagnostics is required to determine if your specific anatomy supports a motion-preserving stabilization over a traditional fusion.

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​Schedule a Motion Preservation Consultation

​If you want to discover if you are a candidate for a motion-preserving facet neoarthrosis procedure, consult with a dedicated neurosurgical specialist. Contact the office of Ammar Hawasli, MD, PhD Ammar Hawasli, MD, PhD, today to explore your options.