Laser Spine Surgery v Spine Fusion Surgery

One of the biggest misgivings people tend to have about back surgery is that fact that the traditional methods, like spine fusion surgery, tend to be very invasive and have a lengthy recovery time. Although invasive back surgery is sometimes necessary, many conditions can also be treated with minimally invasive laser spine surgery.

About Spine Fusion

Spine fusion is a procedure which involves fusing two vertebrae together using a bone graft and hardware, such as screws. A prosthesis may also be used. This treats pain and other symptoms caused by abnormal motion of the vertebrae, as can occur in a wide variety of spine conditions.

When spine fusion is used to treat disc degeneration, the disc is removed and the bone graft is placed in the space where the disc would normally be. The new graft is then secured with screws. When the procedure is used to treat other conditions, like kyphosis and scoliosis, the bone graft is placed across the space between the two vertebrae, and secured with screws.

About Laser Spine Surgery

Some conditions can only be treated with spine fusion, like scoliosis. On the other hand, conditions like disc degeneration can often be resolved using laser spine surgery, a much less invasive process. During this procedure, a laser is inserted into the spine, along with a camera. The laser is used to dissolve the herniated or bulging portion of the disc, restoring a normal shape and treating symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Laser spine surgery is dramatically less invasive than spine fusion. Consider:

• There is no need to open up the spine
• There is no large incision
• There is no bone graft
• There is no hardware installed
• Patients can return home the same day
• Most people can return to work and other normal activities within a week
• You should make a full recovery and be able to perform physically strenuous activities in about a week

Given these advantages, most patients and many doctors have come to prefer laser spine surgery whenever possible. To schedule a consultation about treatment for your spine condition, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.