Laser Spine Surgery
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Laser spine surgery can be a suitable choice for patients experiencing various spinal conditions. This minimally invasive approach offers an alternative to conventional surgical procedures, particularly when other treatments have not yielded the desired outcomes. Laser techniques contribute to faster recovery times and reduced complications. Understanding whether laser spine surgery is needed involves considering the patient’s specific condition and evaluating the appropriateness of laser technology for the treatment.
Definition of Laser Spine Surgery:
Laser spine surgery utilizes light beams to create incisions, replacing traditional surgical instruments. The term “laser” stands for “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.”
Suitability for Chronic Pain Conditions:
Laser surgery is often recommended for patients with chronic pain conditions where fusion is not the primary treatment option.
Limitations for Multiple Incisions or Vertebrae Involvement:
Laser surgery may not be the optimal choice when multiple incisions are required or when multiple vertebrae are affected.
Elimination of Large Incisions and Tissue Manipulation:
Laser surgery eliminates the need for multiple large incisions and the manipulation or movement of surrounding tissue, providing a less invasive alternative.
Common Spine Procedures Utilizing Laser Technology:
Procedures like endoscopic discectomy, percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty, percutaneous laser discoplasty, and facet ablation (rhizotomy) can be performed using laser technology.
Endoscopic Discectomy with Laser Technology:
Endoscopic discectomy is a laminectomy type that uses laser technology to remove damaged disc materials in the lower back and neck. It avoids muscle damage and bone loss, with X-ray imaging guiding a probe into disc areas.
Percutaneous Cervical Disc Nucleoplasty:
Percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty dissolves excess material in a damaged disc using a probe inserted through a small tube. Limited material removal allows the hernia to retract while maintaining spine stability.
Percutaneous Laser Discoplasty:
Percutaneous laser discoplasty employs laser pulses to shrink outer walls of a herniated disc, relieving pressure and allowing it to return to proper function. A thin tube directs the laser light.
Rhizotomy (Facet Ablation):
Rhizotomy, or facet ablation, involves using a laser to remove damaged nerves sending pain signals. Patient evaluation determines the suitability of this procedure.
Exploring Laser Spine Surgery Options:
If suffering from symptoms of an underlying spine condition, individuals can explore laser spine surgery as an effective treatment option using the free Treatment Finder tool.
Determining the need for laser spine surgery involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s condition and consideration of laser technology’s appropriateness for their specific case.
Discover which treatment options are right for you with our Treatment Finder.
Laser spine surgery provides various advantages for patients, making it a favorable option for certain spinal conditions. The benefits include:
Minimally Invasive Techniques:
Laser spine surgery involves minimally invasive techniques, reducing the need for extensive incisions and tissue disruption.
Outpatient Procedure:
Typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day.
Quicker, At-Home Recovery:
Enables a quicker recovery at home, minimizing the disruption to daily life.
No Hospital Stay:
No hospital stay is required, leading to reduced hospital bills and lower overall costs.
Preservation of Spine Mobility:
Laser technology preserves spine mobility, as no screws or rods are placed in the spinal column.
Reduced Risks of Infection:
Minimizes the risks of infection due to smaller incisions and reduced tissue disruption.
Small Incisions:
Small, one-inch incisions are made, contributing to less postoperative scarring.
Local Anesthesia:
Completed using local anesthesia, allowing for quicker recovery and reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia.
Less Blood Loss:
Involves less blood loss compared to traditional surgical methods.
Less Pain During Recovery:
Patients typically experience less pain during the recovery process.
Shorter, Less Painful Recovery:
Doctors at NYSO have developed a specialized minimally invasive approach to laser spine surgery, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This technique eliminates the need to cut through muscles and ligaments, resulting in reduced post-surgery pain and a shorter recovery period.
MRI Evaluation:
If conventional treatments have not addressed problems in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spinal areas, consulting with the NYSO team of spine experts is recommended. To evaluate laser spine surgery or discuss other spinal treatment options, individuals can schedule a free MRI evaluation with experienced spine surgeons at NYSO. This evaluation will guide patients through the next steps in developing a personalized treatment plan.
Have our surgeons perform a Free MRI Review.
Failed Conservative Methods:
If conservative methods such as physical therapy, steroid injections, or pain medications have failed to alleviate pain associated with various spinal conditions.
Spinal Conditions Treated:
Laser spine surgery may be suitable for treating a range of spinal conditions, including:
Cervical Disc Replacement:
Laser surgery may be used for artificial disc replacement in the cervical spine (C3 to C7 discs), maintaining flexibility without fusion.
Next Steps:
To determine if you qualify for laser spine surgery, consider using the free Candidacy Verification tool provided by NYSO. Alternatively, if you are ready to discuss your condition with a spine specialist, you can contact NYSO at (855) 586-2615.
Determine your eligibility with our Candidacy Verification.
NY Spine and Orthopedic is dedicated to delivering minimally invasive laser spine surgeries to eliminate the pain, discomfort, and dysfunction of numerous conditions of the neck and back.