If you’re dealing with back pain or a spinal condition, there’s never been a better time to explore your treatment options. With the aging population, more people are experiencing spinal issues, and the good news is that advancements in spine surgery, especially endoscopic techniques, are providing new hope.
One of the most exciting breakthroughs is endoscopic spine surgery – a minimally invasive approach that’s transforming the way we treat spinal conditions.
“We’re always adopting the latest advancements to ensure better outcomes for our patients,” says Dr. M. Craig McMains, OrthoIndy spine surgeon. “Endoscopy has been a game-changer. We’re no longer limited to lumbar disc herniations. Now, we can use endoscopic spine surgery for spinal fusions and even cervical and thoracic pathology.”
What conditions can endoscopic spine surgery treat?
While endoscopic spine surgery isn’t new, recent innovations in tools and techniques are making it more effective than ever for a range of spinal conditions, including:
- Herniated discs – especially for lumbar, cervical and foraminal disc herniations
- Spinal stenosis to fix the narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve root exits
- Facet joint syndrome for long-term chronic low back pain relief
- Bone spurs to remove growths causing pain
- Spinal joint arthritis relieves inflammation and degeneration
- Slipped vertebra addresses misalignment
- Failed back surgery syndrome to address ongoing pain from failed spine surgeries
“Spine surgery is delicate because the spine is essential for both supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord,” explains Dr. McMains. “Using these advanced endoscopic tools allows us to perform these intricate procedures with incredible precision and less risk to patients.”
Dr. McMains and team have completed about 40 spinal decompressions this year which have allowed patients to receive relief while maintaining their flexibility, which often isn’t achievable with traditional spinal fusion surgery.
How endoscopic spine surgery works
Endoscopic spine surgery uses specialized instruments inserted through a small incision, often as little as ¼ inch. Through this incision, our surgeons thread a small tube to reach the spine. The endoscope is equipped with a high-definition camera for the surgeon to see the problem area clearly and repair the spine with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissue.
A faster, less painful recovery
Compared to traditional open surgery, which requires larger incisions and more muscle disruption, endoscopic procedures significantly reduce trauma to surrounding tissues. This leads to less post-operative pain, less blood loss, faster recovery times and improved outcomes.
“Our patients appreciate that their incisions are smaller and that they can get back to their daily lives more quickly,” Dr. McMains says. “It’s especially beneficial for those who’ve tried other treatments without success and those seeking alternatives to open surgery.”
As endoscopic technology continues to evolve, the ability to treat even more complex spine issues with this minimally invasive approach is expanding. “The future of spine surgery is all about maximizing treatment effectiveness while minimizing discomfort for the patient,” adds McMains. “Endoscopy is helping us lead the way.”
Schedule an appointment
If you’re struggling with back pain, endoscopic spine surgery offers a path to relief with fewer downsides and a quicker return to your daily activities. The expert team at OrthoIndy is at the forefront of these advancements, providing patients with the highest level of care using the latest techniques.
To learn more about endoscopic spine surgery and how it could help you, call 317.802.2000 to request an appointment with one of our spine specialists. We’re here to help you get back to living life with less pain.
