Advanced Spine Surgery Options

At the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, we view surgery as a last resort for addressing spine disorders. For most patients with spinal conditions, conservative treatments such as activity modification, physical therapy, and oral medications effectively alleviate neck and back pain. However, surgery may become necessary for individuals who do not experience significant relief from these conservative measures or whose condition continues to worsen.

Various back and neck injuries and diseases may necessitate minimally invasive spine surgery, including:

• Herniated discs
• Traumatic spine injuries
• Spinal arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal tumors
• Nerve root compression (radiculopathy)
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Vertebral compression fractures
• Myelopathy (spinal cord compression)

At the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, we may recommend surgery earlier for traumatic injuries or nerve damage that affects mobility or bowel and bladder control.

The spine surgery procedure you require depends on the cause and severity of your condition, as well as factors such as your general health, age, and activity levels. Your surgeon will carefully evaluate these factors to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Common spine surgeries include:

• Laminectomy: During a laminectomy, your surgeon removes bone spurs and portions of the vertebra and ligament to alleviate nerve compression.
• Discectomy: Discectomy involves the removal of a damaged disc that is pressing on nerve roots or the spinal cord. Microdiscectomy may be performed if only part of the disc needs to be removed.
• Spinal Fusion: Spinal fusion is performed after a discectomy to connect the vertebrae, using grafts to fuse the bone together. This procedure provides stability and strength to the spine.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: Artificial discs are used to provide stability after discectomy, offering increased spinal flexibility compared to fusion procedures.

At the Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, we specialize in employing the least invasive techniques for spine surgery. Instead of traditional open procedures that require a large incision, we utilize minimally invasive approaches that involve making small incisions, thereby minimizing tissue damage.

Endoscopic Decompression

One such technique is endoscopic decompression, where a slim instrument equipped with a camera and light (endoscope) is used to visualize the spine. This allows our surgeons to perform the procedure with precision while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.

Robotic-Assisted Systems

Additionally, we employ state-of-the-art Mazor™ robotic-assisted systems, providing our surgeons with enhanced precision and control during surgery. The robotic arm, always under the surgeon’s control, assists in executing detailed preoperative plans, resulting in optimal surgical outcomes.