Millions of people understand the agony and pain associated with back injury. People suffer back problems because of changes that might occur as part of the natural aging process, osteoarthritis or traumatic injury. Initially, physicians often suggest the use of cold/hot compresses, rest and over-the-counter or prescription medications designed for alleviation of discomfort and inflammation. Some patients experience relief after visiting a physical therapist.
When conventional treatments do not provide relief, or pain gradually worsens, osteopathic specialists might recommend surgical alternatives. Advancements in modern medicine now allow surgeons the ability of performing minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery.
What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
Unlike traditional open back surgery, patients remain awake during the procedure. Prior to the operation, patients receive a mild sedating medication. As surgeons perform endoscopic spine surgery at a specific location, patients generally only require local anesthesia. While the patient lies face down on the operating table, the surgeon makes one or more incisions measuring less than ½-inch in length. The small incision provides ample access to the exact problem area.
Physicians then insert a small tube like instrument into the precise location requiring repair. Through the opening created by the tube, surgeons pass a flexible, lighted fiber optic camera or microscope for viewing the specific part of the spine on a monitor. Often through the same incision, physicians insert specialized instruments that relocate, repair or remove damaged bone and tissue. Following the surgery, physicians close the incision and apply a sterile dressing.
Recovery Time
After the endoscopic spine surgery, patients enter the recovery room where medical staff monitor vital signs and evaluate the patient’s pain levels. Usually within one hour of surgical completion, physicians recommend that patients stand and walk with the supervision of medical staff. Prior to leaving the facility, patients receive dressing care instructions and a follow-up appointment. Osteopathic surgeons might also refer surgery patients to a physical therapist. Individuals requiring physical therapy, often begin treatment the day after surgery.
Depending on the condition requiring surgery, the majority of patients experience symptomatic relief immediately following the procedure. As the surgeon only treats a small, specific location on the spine, patients undergo less trauma to skin, muscle and nerve tissue. Though complete healing time may require up to six weeks, patients often return to normal daily routines within one or two weeks after the surgery. The overall recovery time of endoscopic spine surgery requires much less time compared to open back surgery. Older surgical methods commonly take up to six months before total healing occurs.
Determining Endoscopic Spine Surgery Candidates
Before individuals undergo an endoscopic spine surgery, patients require a full evaluation by a qualified osteopathic surgeon. Physicians generally obtain a medical history along with a verbal and physical assessment, which determine the age and overall health of the individual. The assessment also includes a history of the onset, duration and treatment of the spinal problem. Surgeons then evaluate current X-rays, CT or MRI scans, determining the location and extent of the injury.
Physicians only perform endoscopic spine surgery on the neck and lower back regions of the spine. Individuals requiring repair in more than one area usually need more than one procedure. Surgeons generally only perform additional procedures after complete healing of the initial surgery. Common conditions treated by minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- Arthritic bone changes
- Sciatica
- Bone spurs
- Scoliosis
- Bulging, degenerative or herniated discs
- Stenosis
- Kyphosis
- Tumors in the spinal column
- Nerve compression caused by traumatic injury
Risks of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Exposing internal tissue may present the risk of developing an infection. Physicians may prescribe a preventative antibiotic, which reduces this likelihood. Patients might also experience bleeding into or from the surgical site. Some patients develop blood clots that leave the surgical site and travel to other body locations. Studies indicate that reducing the size of the incision, and the time required for surgery, greatly decreases the risks often associated with open back procedures. If not performed properly by an experienced and qualified surgeon, some patients later require open back surgery for repair completion.
Patients undergoing this less invasive type of procedure experience many benefits compared to previously used extensive surgical options. As physicians only administer local anesthesia, patients do not require time for general anesthesia recovery. While individuals having certain medical conditions may not be candidates for conventional open back surgeries because of the medications required, endoscopic spine surgery may present a welcome alternative.
Conventional Surgery Alternatives
Compared to the larger incisions, general anesthesia requirements and longer recuperation times of open back surgery, arthroscopic spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery and laparoscopic spine surgery are all minimally invasive procedures that treat a large number of spinal conditions. Each of these modern surgical methods uses smaller incisions and instrumentation. Consultation with an osteopathic surgeon provides information concerning available options for different conditions that offer the best outcome.
Contact Dr. Tony Mork for a free MRI review and to learn more about endoscopic spine surgery.
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