Endoscopic Spinal Fusion

Endoscopic spinal fusion is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. It involves fusing two or more vertebrae together using a minimally invasive approach, providing stability to the spine and reducing pain.

One of the biggest benefits of endoscopic spinal fusion is that it is a minimally invasive approach, which means that there is minimal damage to surrounding tissues and muscles. This leads to less pain, less scarring, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

In traditional open spinal fusion, a large incision is made in the back, and the surgeon must move or remove surrounding muscles and tissues to access the spine. This can result in significant pain and a longer recovery time. In addition, traditional spinal fusion can be associated with a higher risk of complications, such as infection and excessive blood loss.

Endoscopic spinal fusion, on the other hand, uses small incisions and specialized instruments to access the spine. This approach minimizes damage to surrounding tissues and muscles, which leads to less pain and a faster recovery time. In addition, endoscopic spinal fusion can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means that patients can often go home the same day as the procedure.

Another benefit of endoscopic spinal fusion is that it allows for more precise placement of hardware, such as screws and rods. This is because the surgeon can view the spine in real-time using the endoscope, which allows for greater accuracy and precision. In addition, endoscopic spinal fusion can be used to treat a wider range of spinal conditions than traditional spinal fusion, including those that are located in hard-to-reach areas of the spine.

Not everyone is a candidate for an endoscopic approach. Ineligibility for endoscopic spinal fusion can be due to factors such as severe spinal instability, large disc herniation, advanced degenerative disc disease, spinal tumors, spinal infections, or certain medical conditions that increase surgery risks. The eligibility decision depends on a thorough evaluation by Dr. Baig and discussion of risks and benefits.

Procedures