Orthopedic surgeon, Richard Obedian, is an expert in the X-Stop procedure for lumbar stenosis. This is a commonly performed procedure for patients who suffer from the symptoms of lumbar stenosis. This condition causes a great deal of discomfort for people, including weakness, pain and tingling in the lower back, legs, and buttocks. Richard Obedian works with patients closely before deciding if this is the right procedure to offer the most relief.

“I always explain in great detail to my patients who suffer from lumbar stenosis how the X-Stop device actually works. Many people are a bit hesitant to have a piece of hardware put into their body and into their spine. It makes them feel like they are going to be a bit robotic. So I make it a priority to spend the time explaining the procedure and the benefits,” says Richard Obedian.

One of the first things Richard Obedian does is show the actual X-Stop device to the patient. “Most patients are sort of intrigued when they see the device and really listen to how it will actually prevent them from bending too far backward at the narrowed segment. This is what causes sciatic pain and lower back pain for these patients,” states Richard Obedian. For many patients, the pain is so constant and debilitating, they are ready to try just about anything.

He has become so well-known for his thorough explanations and patience with his clients, that he trains novice surgeons regularly. “I always warn the newbies about not being too eager about the surgery and making sure they listen to and explain everything thoroughly to the patients. A big mistake many surgeons make is that they become so engrossed in their expertise they forget about relating to the human they are about to cut open,” says Richard Obedian.

Richard Obedian has had few complications when implanting the X-Stop device. He has had, however, a few patients whose sciatic pain was not helped by it. This is an unfortunate risk in the procedure but Richard Obedian had thoroughly explained that this was a possibility to the patient. He continues to work with this patient on alternative treatment options for the sciatic pain.