The ultra-minimally invasive technique offers faster recovery, less post-operative pain and improved outcomes
INDIANAPOLIS—For the second year in a row, OrthoIndy leads Central Indiana in endoscopic spine surgery – a cutting-edge, ultra-minimally invasive procedure that offers faster recovery, less post-operative pain and improved outcomes for patients with back pain or spine conditions.
Dr. M. Craig McMains, who launched OrthoIndy’s comprehensive endoscopic spine program in late 2023, has already performed 30 procedures in 2025 and is on pace to exceed the number he completed in the program’s first year. He remains the only surgeon in Central Indiana trained to treat various spinal conditions using endoscopic techniques.
The basics and benefits of endoscopic spine surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery uses a tiny incision as small as 5 mm – roughly the width of a #2 pencil – to insert a small tube equipped with an endoscope and high-definition camera. This minimally invasive approach contrasts with traditional open spine surgery, which typically requires an incision at least 10 times larger – at 5 cm – and involves cutting through muscles and soft tissue. During endoscopic spine surgery, surgeons use specialized instruments to perform precise repairs while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.
In addition to faster recovery times and less post-operative pain, benefits of endoscopic spine surgery include less blood loss, a reduced infection rate and a better chance of maintaining flexibility than traditional open surgery. Patients who have had the procedure at OrthoIndy also report that its muscle-sparing benefits were evident in their post-op MRIs.
“It is the least invasive way to perform spine surgery,” said Dr. McMains. “Our patients appreciate that their incisions are smaller and that they can get back to their daily lives more quickly. It’s especially beneficial for those who’ve tried other treatments without success and those seeking alternatives to open surgery.”
Expanding eligibility for endoscopic spine surgery
Recent advances are making endoscopic spine surgery an effective treatment for an expanding range of spine conditions. You may be eligible for the procedure if you are experiencing herniated discs, spinal stenosis, facet joint syndrome, bone spurs, spinal joint arthritis, slipped vertebra or failed back surgery syndrome.
Dr. McMains uses endoscopic techniques for fusion surgery alternatives, decompression of nerve roots and even more complex procedures such as spinal fusions. He also uses the technique to treat paraspinal defects, or pars defects, and fractures.
“These are problems that used to mean open surgery, long recoveries or bracing that didn’t always work,” said Dr. McMains. “Now, I can treat them endoscopically – with less risk and faster recovery.”
Expanding training and access to endoscopic spine surgery
Dr. McMains is one of a small but growing number of surgeons nationwide – and the only one in the greater Indianapolis area – trained to perform the complete range of endoscopic spine techniques. He’s dedicated to expanding patient access by sharing his expertise and training other surgeons across Indiana and the country. This commitment builds on his years of work helping to develop the PTP (prone transpsoas) spinal fusion approach, which allows surgeons to access the spine through a small incision in the patient’s side in another minimally invasive manner.
“The future of spine surgery is all about maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing discomfort for the patient,” said Dr. McMains. “Endoscopy is helping us lead the way. If I needed surgery today, this is exactly the approach I’d want for myself.”
To find out if you’re a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery, call OrthoIndy at 317.802.2000 to request a consultation or visit orthoindy.com.
Media Contact: Brandon Smith, Chief Development Officer at OrthoIndy, P: 317.802.2439, E: [email protected]
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About OrthoIndy
OrthoIndy is one of the most highly respected orthopedic practices in the country. With over 100 physicians providing care to Indiana residents, OrthoIndy provides leading-edge bone, joint, spine and muscle care. Recognized with numerous national and statewide honors from Healthgrades, OrthoIndy has been ranked number one in Indiana for joint replacement for the third year in a row. OrthoIndy is the official orthopedic provider for the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever and serves as the preferred orthopedic provider for employees of the State of Indiana and Indianapolis Public Schools. For more information on OrthoIndy, please call 317.802.2000 or visit us at OrthoIndy.com.
