What should you know about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

In minimally invasive spine surgery and endoscopic procedures, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half-inch in length or by using a tool called an endoscope. Entry and repair are achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues when using minimally invasive techniques. This is great news for all those who are candidates for a surgery.

​Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:

• Minimal soft tissue trauma
• Private out-patient surgery
• Little or no blood loss
• Lower infection rate
• Rapid recovery
• High success and return to activity
• Preservation of spinal mobility
• Improved quality of life

Consult with our doctors about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery to find out if it’s the best option for you.

What should you know about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

In minimally invasive spine surgery and endoscopic procedures, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half-inch in length or by using a tool called an endoscope. Entry and repair are achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues when using minimally invasive techniques. This is great news for all those who are candidates for a surgery.

​Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:

• Minimal soft tissue trauma
• Private out-patient surgery
• Little or no blood loss
• Lower infection rate
• Rapid recovery
• High success and return to activity
• Preservation of spinal mobility
• Improved quality of life

Consult with our doctors about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery to find out if it’s the best option for you.

What should you know about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

In minimally invasive spine surgery and endoscopic procedures, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half-inch in length or by using a tool called an endoscope. Entry and repair are achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues when using minimally invasive techniques. This is great news for all those who are candidates for a surgery.

​Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:

• Minimal soft tissue trauma
• Private out-patient surgery
• Little or no blood loss
• Lower infection rate
• Rapid recovery
• High success and return to activity
• Preservation of spinal mobility
• Improved quality of life

Consult with our doctors about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery to find out if it’s the best option for you.

What is a minimally invasive endoscopic microdiscectomy?

 An endoscopic microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery that allows direct visualization of the disc and nerves. This procedure is used for decompressing nerve roots damaged by compressed spinal discs. It is usually indicated in patients with a herniated or compressed lumbar disc, who have not found adequate pain relief with pain management injections or conservative treatment.​

Many patients who suffer from sciatica, referred pain down either legs, and/or low back pain may be a candidate for this procedure. This procedure can also help in relieving pain associated with spinal stenosis and low back arthritis.

What are the benefits associated with an endoscopic microdiscectomy?

• Minimally invasive surgery – less trauma to muscles and soft tissue than with traditional open surgery.
• Immediate leg pain relief in most cases.
• High success rate and sustained success of the therapy.
• Visual endoscopic control of the treatment.
• Quick recovery time.
• Fewer complications and risks than open spine surgery.
• No or minimal blood loss
• No hardware placement or loss of mobility.
• Minimal pain or discomfort following the surgery.
• Small incision and minimal scar tissue
• Use of local anesthesia

What are the details of the endoscopic microdiscectomy surgery?

 Defined as a minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic microdiscectomy requires a small incision, usually no larger than 1 cm, and x-rays to gain access to the lumbar spine.

 Under x-ray guidance, a series of muscle dilators are used to stretch soft tissue, instead of cutting muscles, and create a path for the endoscope. Special instruments can also be used to shave down the arthritic bone that may also be compressing a nerve. Once placed, the endoscope allows the physician to use direct visualization of the disc, nerve, and other structures to safely remove problematic disc, freeing up the nerves. Usually done under monitored anesthesia care, meaning you’re awake and responsive, but comfortable throughout the procedure.

 Unlike traditional open surgery, in which muscles, ligaments, and even bones might be severed to reach the specified area; endoscopic microdiscectomy uses an endoscope, or small camera, to magnify the area where the microdiscectomy will be performed. Through the use of this technique only a small portion of the herniated disc that is compressing the spinal nerve needs to be removed.

What to expect after the procedure?

 While this is an outpatient surgery, we do recommend resting for a prescribed period postoperatively and then gradually increasing activity levels with instruction and supervision by your providers. You will also be advised to wear a back brace for added support during the healing process.

 If you are suffering from low-back pain and have been researching minimally invasive spine surgery as well as laser spine surgery, schedule an appointment to speak to one of our specialists. You may find that endoscopic microdiscectomy is the perfect solution for you. Often, this procedure is covered by healthcare insurance.

 What is a minimally invasive endoscopic rhizotomy surgery?

 An endoscopic rhizotomy is a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery that allows direct visualization of the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints in the back of the spine. This procedure may also be called a facet joint denervation.​

 Medial branch nerves are very small nerves that innervate the facet joints of the spine. Facet joints are the joints connecting the different vertebra of the spine to each other. The joints are present on both sides of the spine from the neck to the lower back.​

 Consult with our doctors about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery to find out if it’s the best option for you.

What is the difference between a radiofrequency ablation and an endoscopic rhizotomy?

 A radiofrequency ablation is a procedure for back pain where we use special needles and electrical current to turn off the nerves and their ability to transmit pain signals. Usually this provides 6-12 months of relief. By that time, the nerve may heal and the pain may return.​

 The surgical aspect of a rhizotomy is a little more invasive, but still considered an endoscopic minimally invasive surgery or procedure. The incision is smaller than a centimeter and involves the use of a camera through which we can use special tools to identify the nerves, and surgically remove those nerves, and then perform an ablative procedure under direct visualization.

 What are some of the benefits of an endoscopic rhizotomy surgery?

• Minimally invasive procedure
• Small incision and minimal scar tissue
• Outpatient procedure
• Long term relief of back pain
• Short recovery time
• High success rate and sustained success of the therapy
• No or minimal blood loss
• Spinal mobility is maintained
• Visual endoscopic control of the treatment

When is an endoscopic rhizotomy recommended?

• The patient has lower back pain longer than 6 weeks with no response to conservative treatments.
• Patient has restricted range of movement in the lumbar spine, particularly when bending backwards.
• Blocking the facet joint or medial branch nerve confirms that lower back pain is caused by the facet joint.

What are the indications for an endoscopic rhizotomy?

 A rhizotomy is indicated if the diagnostic *medial branch block (MBB) procedure is successful in confirming that back pain is originating from the facet joints. A medial branch block (MBB) is an injection of a local anesthetic at the medial branch nerve to temporarily block the pain signal carried from the facet joints to the brain. It is a diagnostic tool and provides only temporary relief from pain and is used in diagnosing the cause of your back pain.

What are the indications for an endoscopic rhizotomy?

 A rhizotomy is indicated if the diagnostic *medial branch block (MBB) procedure is successful in confirming that back pain is originating from the facet joints. A medial branch block (MBB) is an injection of a local anesthetic at the medial branch nerve to temporarily block the pain signal carried from the facet joints to the brain. It is a diagnostic tool and provides only temporary relief from pain and is used in diagnosing the cause of your back pain.

What are the details of an endoscopic rhizotomy?

 Usually this is done under monitored anesthesia care, meaning you’re awake and responsive, but comfortable throughout the procedure. Endoscopic rhizotomy surgery is an outpatient surgery and is done under conscious sedation. A small incision is made in the surgical area and a tube with a camera is inserted into the spine, guided by fluoroscopic X-rays to place the camera in the correct position. The camera allows for direct visualization to see where the medial branch nerves usually reside. After identifying the nerve, a small section is cut from the nerve, preventing any regrowth in the future.

What to expect after the procedure?

 While this is an outpatient surgery, we do recommend resting initially and then gradually increasing activity levels. You may also be advised to wear a back brace for added support during the healing process.

 If you are suffering from low-back pain and have been researching minimally invasive spine surgery as well as laser spine surgery, schedule an appointment to speak to one of our specialists. You may find that endoscopic rhizotomy is the perfect solution for you. Often, this procedure is covered by healthcare insurance.

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