A small incision is made in the middle of the patients back and the spinous process is exposed on both sides. A hole is creating through the loose tissue that is between the two spinous processes.

The hole that was made between the spinous processes is then widened by a distracting instrument.

While the spinous processes are distracted, the distance of this distraction is then measured. The X STOP implants range in different diameters. The one with the appropriate fit is secured to its applicator. The X STOP is then slipped into the channel that was created by the distracter. A second applicator that holds the locking plate for the other side of the X STOP is then placed on the opposite side of the spinous process.

The X STOP can be implanted at up to two spinal levels. The X STOP moves with spinal movements yet still distracts the joint spaces and decompresses the nerves. It is not a fusion and generally there is no bone removal with the X STOP procedure.