Better Recovery From Spinal Problems With Spinal Endoscopy

Spinal surgery has been undergoing tremendous changes in the last 20 odd years. In fact, it is the most growing branch of orthopedic surgery, with more and more advancements happening regularly.

Technological advancements are the cornerstones on which these developments are progressing in the field of spine surgery. So how has spine surgery evolved, from one which was considered a phobia, to one which is routinely being done now.

The trend for spine surgery nowadays is by minimally invasive or endoscopic ways; this is possible due to the development of various new devices, which help in performing such a complex surgery in a very delicate and minimalistic way.

The first major development is the microscope, which is a device that helps in magnification of all things we see. It helps in performing even the most delicate and complex of spine surgeries precisely, with minimal complications of nerve damage.

There are various advanced microscopes available in the market; the most commonly used are the Carl Zeiss models, which have a great optics range and are very surgeon-friendly, and have software into which a CT/MRI scan can be integrated so as to get precise knowledge of the patient’s anatomy and the area which needs to be operated.

The other technological advancements that are now making spine surgery safer and precise are navigation, neuromonitoring, and robotics.

As there is always a lot of apprehension among patients regarding complex spine surgery, especially concerning the delicate spinal nerves and tissues, these devices help in performing these surgeries with utmost care of these delicate structures without causing any harm to them.

Navigation is a device which works like a GPS. It guides and navigates us in knowing the precise anatomy of the spine, and guides us in doing surgery even in a complex anatomy and deformed spine.

The neuromonitoring is a device that helps in monitoring the nerve function while performing complex spinal surgery, thus any damage to the nerves is preempted and complex screw placements can be done properly.

Robotics in spine surgery is the latest advancement, like in prostrate and bariatric surgery. This device is installed inside an operation suite and is used for cases, which require a better understanding of the anatomy or if it needs to be done through a very small incision with minimal tissue destruction. The robotic assistance is a boon for spine surgeons in doing complicated screw insertions, revision surgeries with implant insertions as the entry points and pathways are all referenced and trajectories are predetermined; thus they help in putting the screws in the correct position.

Apart from all these devices, spinal surgery has really been revolutionized because of endoscopic instruments. Endoscopic spine surgery is minimally invasive spine surgery done through small openings in the skin, with no or absolutely minimal tissue and muscle destruction.

This helps the patients immensely as they can recover quickly from the surgery, have minimal pain post-surgery, thus requiring shorter hospital stay and less medications. The patients are also able to resume their normal work as soon as possible with this surgery.

Thus, its seen with the help of advanced instruments and technologies, there has been tremendous progress in spinal surgeries, all of which make spinal surgeries much safer, less complicated, and with better outcomes.