Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has emerged as a groundbreaking approach to treating many spinal conditions, offering remarkable advancements in surgical techniques and patient care.
This innovative method, characterized by smaller incisions and reduced impact on surrounding tissues, presents a highly advanced turn in spinal surgery. The method improves patient outcomes and shortens the duration of a patient’s recovery.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most advanced spine surgery treatments.
Evolution of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Historically, traditional open spine surgeries often involved extensive tissue disruption and prolonged recovery periods. The procedures also had a high rate of complications. Minimally invasive spine surgery has revolutionized the treatment landscape by minimizing tissue trauma to muscles and other normal structures in the spine.
Endoscopic techniques represent the next enhancement of minimally invasive spinal surgery. This state-of-the-art approach allows for the most minimally invasive approach.
What is Spinal Endoscopy?
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique that aims to minimize damage to normal tissues. It involves the use of a microscope, a tubular retractor or a Taylor retractor, and other specialized instruments to perform decompression or fusion surgery with greater precision.
The procedure utilizes an endoscope with a high-magnification camera, allowing for clear visualization of normal and pathologic structures in the spine. Additionally, the endoscope enables various viewing angles, providing enhanced visibility of structures that may not be visible with conventional approaches. This innovative development in spine surgery has become a universal surgical method due to its ability to treat various spine diseases effectively.
What Can Spinal Endoscopy Treat?
It can be used to address a range of spinal issues, including:
- Herniated Discs – Spinal endoscopy can be used to treat herniated or bulging discs by removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerves, thereby relieving pain and other symptoms associated with the condition.
- Spinal Stenosis – This procedure can help alleviate symptoms of spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, by removing tissue or bone spurs that are compressing the spinal cord or nerves.
- Sciatica – It can be used to address sciatica, a condition caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, by relieving pressure on the affected nerve roots.
- Facet Joint Syndrome – Spinal endoscopy may be used to treat facet joint syndrome, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the facet joints of the spine and combine it with injection therapy or radiofrequency ablation.
Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Artificial disc replacement surgery, also known as total disc arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to treat severe disc-related back pain by replacing a damaged or degenerated spinal disc with an artificial implant. This innovative procedure aims to provide pain relief while preserving motion and function in the treated spinal segment.
During artificial disc replacement surgery, the affected disc is removed, and a prosthetic disc made of metal, or a combination of metal and plastic materials is implanted in its place. The artificial disc is designed to mimic the natural structure and function of a healthy spinal disc, allowing for continued flexibility and movement in the spine.
This surgical approach offers several potential benefits over traditional spinal fusion surgery, including the preservation of spinal motion, reduced risk of adjacent segment degeneration, and potentially faster recovery times. Additionally, it may be considered for patients with cervical or lumbar disc degeneration who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments and are seeking an alternative to spinal fusion.
What Can Artificial Disc Replacement Treat?
This innovative surgical intervention is typically used to address the following spine conditions:
- Degenerative Disc Disease – Artificial disc replacement can effectively treat degenerative disc disease, a condition characterized by the breakdown of spinal discs due to wear and tear or injury.
- Herniated Discs – The procedure is suitable for treating herniated or bulging discs, which can cause nerve compression and pain and weakness.
- Chronic Back Pain – Patients with chronic back pain that is unresponsive to conservative treatments may benefit from artificial disc replacement to alleviate their symptoms and improve mobility.
- Spinal Instability – In cases of spinal instability, where abnormal movement between vertebrae causes pain and functional limitations, artificial disc replacement can restore stability and function.
- Motion Preservation – The surgery aims to preserve spinal motion and flexibility, potentially reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration compared to traditional spinal fusion procedures.
Top Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Hartford and Tolland Counties, CT & Springfield, MA
Dr. David Kruger is our top orthopedic spine surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics New England. Dr. Kruger is a fellowship-trained physician trained in the latest spinal surgery techniques and is well-recognized throughout Connecticut for his exceptional skill and dedication to patient-centric care.
Our spinal surgery team will let you know your options for treatment. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kruger, call our office today at (860) 728-6740. Our friendly and supportive staff looks forward to serving you.
