Lumbar Decompression with Coflex Placement

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

For the right lumbar stenosis patient, a decompression paired with a Coflex interspinous device relieves the crowded nerves and adds gentle stabilization — while preserving motion and avoiding a full fusion. It's a middle-ground option between decompression alone and fusion.

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How the Coflex Device Works

Procedure Overview

This procedure combines a decompression for lumbar stenosis with a Coflex interspinous device — a small U-shaped implant placed between the spinous processes at the treated level. The decompression relieves the crowded nerves; the Coflex adds gentle stability and helps keep the canal open, while preserving motion rather than fusing the segment. For select patients, it sits between a decompression alone and a full fusion.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

Coflex is considered for lumbar stenosis at one or two levels in patients who need decompression plus some stabilization — but not a full fusion — and whose anatomy and alignment are suitable. It isn't for every stenosis patient; a careful evaluation determines whether decompression alone, Coflex, or a fusion best fits your spine.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

For well-selected patients, decompression with Coflex relieves stenosis symptoms while preserving motion and avoiding the larger footprint of a fusion. The key is candidacy — which is why a careful evaluation by a surgeon who also performs decompression and fusion matters. We set clear, individualized expectations.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia, through a minimally invasive posterior approach, the nerves are decompressed by removing the bone and thickened ligament crowding them. The Coflex U-shaped spacer is then placed between the spinous processes at that level to add gentle stabilization while preserving motion. No pedicle screws or fusion are required.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Because it avoids a full fusion, recovery can be quicker than a fusion for suitable patients, with the benefits of a minimally invasive decompression. Your timeline depends on the levels treated and your health.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Lumbar Decompression with Coflex: Frequently Asked Questions