Meaning:

Minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery are advanced surgical techniques designed to treat spinal conditions with less trauma to surrounding tissues compared to traditional open surgery. These procedures use small incisions, specialized instruments, and imaging technology to access and treat the affected areas of the spine. Commonly performed for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease, these approaches offer faster recovery, reduced pain, and minimal scarring.

Symptoms:

• Chronic back or neck pain unresponsive to conservative treatments.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
• Sciatica or pain radiating to the extremities.
• Limited mobility and difficulty performing daily activities.

Possible Causes:

• Degenerative changes in the spine due to aging or wear and tear.
• Herniated discs causing nerve compression.
• Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal.
• Spondylolisthesis, spinal instability, or traumatic injuries.

Care and Treatment:

Procedures

• Microdiscectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion, or artificial disc replacement.
• Endoscopic techniques involve a camera and specialized instruments to access the spine.

Recovery

• Focused on pain management, physical therapy, and gradual resumption of activities.
• Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery compared to traditional spine surgery.