Endoscopic Decompression

Endoscopic Decompression is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that relieves pain and other symptoms caused by spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and other forms of spinal degeneration. Some spinal conditions that can benefit from endoscopic decompression include degenerative disc disease, bulging or herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal arthritis, spondylosis, degenerative joint disease and thickening of the spinal ligaments.

The goal of endoscopic decompression is to remove the structures that are pressing against the spinal nerves and creating pain, tingling, numbness and/or weakness. Once the nerves are decompressed, symptoms improve.

Endoscopic decompression can often replace more invasive spinal decompression surgeries such as discectomy (surgical removal of the affected disc) or laminectomy (surgical removal of the back portion of the affected vertebra).

What happens during Endoscopic Decompression?

You’ll be placed under general anesthesia for the procedure. The spine is accessed through several tiny incisions in your back. A camera is inserted for real-time visualization, and a small drill is used to access the spinal canal through the lamina and facet. Using radiofrequency ablation and special surgical tools, Dr. Baig will remove encroaching bone, disc material and other tissue to enlarge the spinal canal and decompress the spinal nerves.

Why Endoscopic Decompression?

Surgery is not the first treatment option for most spinal conditions. However, if Dr. Baig feels you would benefit from decompression surgery, there are many benefits to an endoscopic approach as compared with traditional decompression surgery.

In a press release, Orthofix announced FDA-approval of the medical device and stated that the implant’s “unique construct allows for shock absorption at the implanted level, as well as provides a controlled range of motion when the spine transitions in its combined complex movements.”

Benefits of Orthofix M6-C Disc Replacement over Fusion Surgery

Disc Replacement surgery with the Orthofix M6-C artificial disc is an alternative to traditional cervical spinal fusion surgery. Dr. Baig is thrilled to be the southwest’s first spine surgeon to perform cervical disc replacement surgery using the revolutionary Orthofix M6-C artificial disc.

Benefits of endoscopic decompression include:
● Smaller incisions with less scarring.
● A shorter hospital stay (a few days instead of a week)
● Less pain and a shorter recovery period (a few months instead of a year)
● Less blood loss
● Reduced risk of infection

Studies show that endoscopic decompression surgery is just as effective as traditional decompression surgery when performed by a skilled, experienced surgeon. Dr. Baig and his patients have been very pleased with the results of endoscopic decompression in his practice.

Am I a candidate for Endoscopic Decompression Surgery?

Not everyone is a candidate for endoscopic decompression. The only way to determine if it will benefit you is to receive a thorough evaluation by a skilled spine surgery. Dr. Baig will only recommend endoscopic decompression surgery if he is certain it will significantly improve your pain and other symptoms.