The benefits of minimally invasive back and neck surgery can go a long way toward easing your apprehension about spine surgery. You also need to have confidence in your surgeon, which is why patients travel from all over the world to see Jorge Isaza, MD, at Spine Specialists of Louisiana. Dr. Isaza is a board-certified spine surgeon, an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery, and one of an elite group of surgeons with extensive experience performing endoscopic spine surgery. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or use the online booking feature.
request an appointmentWhat is minimally invasive back and neck surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is done through one or two small incisions and using narrow surgical instruments that are specially designed to fit through the tiny incisions.
When Dr. Isaza uses minimally invasive techniques and tools, he can perform your surgery without cutting the muscles and ligaments that support your spine. By comparison, open surgery uses a long incision that cuts through all the soft tissues.
How do specialists perform minimally invasive back and neck surgery?
After making a small incision, Dr. Isaza inserts a narrow tubular retractor. The retractor gently separates the muscle fibers and creates access to your spine without cutting the soft tissues. Then Dr. Isaza inserts the surgical instruments through the tube.
Dr. Isaza may use one of two instruments to view your spine, a surgical microscope or an endoscope. Though some minimally invasive procedures may require the microscope, Dr. Isaza is one of a small group of experts in endoscopic spine surgery.
An endoscope consists of a narrow tube that contains a video camera and lighting. Dr. Isaza inserts the endoscope through the center of the retractor, and then the scope sends high-definition images of the surgical site to a monitor.
Dr. Isaza has two options for performing your procedure. He can insert the surgical instruments through the endoscope, or he can make a second incision and pass the instruments through a second retractor tube.
What benefits do I gain with minimally invasive back and neck surgery?
After finishing your minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Isaza removes the retractor tube, and your muscles naturally return to their normal position without needing extensive time to heal. As a result, minimally invasive spine surgery causes significantly less trauma compared with open surgery.
When you undergo minimally invasive back and neck surgery, you have:
- Less pain after surgery
- Lower risk of bleeding during surgery
- Lower risk of infection
- Minimal scarring
- Quicker recovery
- Less rehabilitation
- Faster return to your usual activities
You can go home the same day after many minimally invasive spine procedures. If you need to stay in the hospital, however, you’ll be discharged in less time than you would with open surgery.
What spine problems are treated with minimally invasive surgery?
Dr. Isaza treats a wide range of problems with minimally invasive back and neck surgery, including:
- Scoliosis
- Bone spurs
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis
- Compressed nerves
- Facet joint arthritis
- Thickened ligaments
- Spinal instability
- Spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral compression fractures
If you struggle with back or neck pain or know you may need spine surgery, call Spine Specialists of Louisiana or book an appointment online.
Neck Surgery
Neck surgery includes Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) and Anterior Cervical Fusion (ACF). These are two surgical modalities for addressing cervical spine issues, each offering distinct advantages and considerations.
When would I need an Artificial disc Replacement?
Cervical ADR emerges as a cutting-edge solution for individuals with cervical disc degeneration or herniation. This procedure entails the replacement of a damaged cervical disc with a synthetic implant, designed to restore spinal function while preserving mobility. Dr. Isaza evaluates patients to determine their suitability for this intervention. Patients that undergo cervical ADR often experience a resumption of normal activities with reduced risk of adjacent segment degeneration—a common concern following fusion surgeries.
When would I need an Anterior Cervical Fusion?
Anterior Cervical Fusion (ACF) remains a longstanding cornerstone in cervical spine surgery, particularly for cases where disc degeneration or herniation necessitates stabilization. In ACF, the damaged disc is excised, and adjacent vertebrae are fused together, thereby immobilizing the affected segment.
Which surgery is right for me?
Navigating the choice between ADR and ACF demands an understanding of each patient’s unique circumstances. Dr. Isaza, with his pioneering experience in artificial disc technologies, guides individuals through this decision-making process, ensuring tailored treatment plans aligned with optimal outcomes. With a legacy marked by groundbreaking research and surgical innovations, Dr. Isaza stands as a beacon of excellence in cervical spine care.
For those seeking personalized solutions and expert guidance in cervical spine health, Spine Specialists of Louisiana offers a sanctuary of advanced care and transformative interventions. Contact us today to embark on your journey towards a pain-free, revitalized spine.