Minimally Invasive and Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Dr. Andre Shaffer is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon who is a specialist in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery. Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat back pain and sciatica caused by disc herniations, spinal arthritis and stenosis. This procedure uses an endoscope: a device with a small lens at the end and a thin tunnel to pass instruments for removing discs, bone spurs, and tissue. This technique allows the surgeon to correct your spine problems with smaller incisions (surgical cuts), fewer risks, and quicker recovery.
Spinal stenosis and a herniated disc are the two most common conditions that can be treated using endoscopic spine surgery. Symptoms that are caused by these conditions usually are related to the pinching or compression of the spinal cord or a spinal nerve root. However, these are not the only two conditions treated with this method. Endoscopic spinal surgery can be used to treat multiple painful spinal conditions such as:
- Sciatica
- Bulging or herniated Discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Chronic Lower Back Pain
- Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
- Disc Tears
- Degenerative Disc Disease
Some common benefits of endoscopic spine surgery, include:
- Very small incision during the spine surgery
- Decreased blood loss during surgery.
- Less damage to surrounding muscle and soft tissues.
- Shorter recovery time
- Quicker return to daily physical activities, including work.
- Reduced risk from postoperative infection.
- Less post-operative pain and less pain medication needed.
- Outpatient procedure – patients typically leave a few hours after surgery.
To learn more and find out if endoscopic spine surgery the right option for you, please call 206-633-8100 to schedule a consultation. During a clinic visit, Dr. Shaffer will properly diagnose your condition and help you determine if surgery is an appropriate treatment for your back issues.
