Orthopedic Spine Care 

Patients who continue to experience pain following nonoperative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and/or steroid injections, should consider surgery. In many cases, nonsurgical treatments are successful at alleviating neck and back issues; but when symptoms continue to have a significant impact on quality of life, it is worth consulting a surgeon.

There may be other options for relief, and surgery may not be recommended, but patients who do require surgery can benefit from seeking treatment from a surgeon skilled in advanced techniques like endoscopic spine surgery.

During endoscopic spine surgery, you may receive either general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience. The procedure involves small incisions and minimal muscle trauma, leading to quicker recovery times and less postoperative pain.

Once the procedure begins, your surgeon will insert a cannula through a small incision, creating a “tunnel” to view inside the spine and insert other tiny instruments for performing the procedure.

Following your procedure, you will be woken up and taken to the recovery room / post anesthesia care unit (PACU). You may experience some temporary postoperative discomfort, which is typical. Many patients describe this as a “soreness” in their backs. You will remain in the recovery room for 1-2 hours. Then, depending on the treatment plan your surgeon discussed with you before surgery, you may be discharged home or taken to a hospital room.

Recovery protocol and postoperative management, including medications, are patient-specific and dependent on guidance from your physician. Many patients take no prescription pain medications after these procedures, and some take no medications at all.

As with all spinal surgeries, risks of endoscopic surgery include injury to nearby nerves and blood vessels, spinal fluid leak, infection, bleeding, blood clots, or persistence or recurrence of symptoms. However, studies have shown that undergoing ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery results in fewer postoperative complications and infections, less disruption to surrounding soft tissue, and a shorter hospital stay.

Arthrex endoscopes and instrumentation are indicated for visualization of the intraoperative site and surgical intervention during endoscopic procedures and minimally invasive surgery involving the spine. Endoscopic spine surgery is generally not intended for patients who have experienced or are experiencing spinal trauma, infection, instability, or severe scoliosis or who have a present pathologic issue.

It is important to arrange transportation home from the hospital or surgery center.

Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for dressings and wound care. Do not scratch, cleanse, or apply any creams, lotions, or other treatments to the incision until cleared to do so by your surgeon.

It is important to arrange transportation home from the hospital or surgery center. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for postoperative care, which is procedure- and surgeon-specific.