Spine endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique very innovative, which must be performed by a spine doctor, with which pathologies such as herniated disc and canal stenosis. The intervention requires an incision of less than 2-3 mm in the skin.

This minimally invasive spine surgery allows exploration of the spinal canal using high-definition optics that provide a light source. It basically consists of an endoscopic camera with a channeled optical system connected to a high-definition television screen through which the spine doctor can observe the patient's spine.

This surgery has evolved significantly in the last 20 years, creating new surgical methods and accesses to address the spine. Some of the pathologies that it can treat are sciatica and herniated disc.

The doctors of the Elgeadi team, with high training, perform the advanced spine endoscopy technique in several spine specialist clinics in the national territory.

The first phase of endoscopic spine surgery requires approximately 30 minutes.

• First, anesthesia is applied to the patient. In most cases, general anesthesia is used.
• The position of the patient for this surgery takes on special importance: prone position with padding on the chest and pelvic region. Tilting in flexion of the lower extremities.
• Anteroposterior and lateral views are used to accurately identify the approach and entrance of the endoscopic optical camera.

The second surgical phase usually lasts around 45 minutes:

• Once the level to be treated is identified radiologically, an incision is made in the skin of less than 1 cm.
• The endoscope is introduced into the spinal canal and the compressed root is separated to remove the herniated fragment. It is essential to ensure complete root release by exploring the nerve path and examining the interior of the disc.
• Subsequently, in certain cases, stem cells will be implanted.

• Minimal tissue aggression and rapid recovery after surgery.
• Endoscopy provides a high-definition view that cannot be obtained with the naked eye or microscope.
• The skin incision is less than 1 centimeter.
• Tissue aggression is minimal and, therefore, postoperative pain decreases. Leaving the hospital is almost immediate after the intervention and also reduces the risk of complications.
• It allows the treatment of pathologies in both the spinal canal and the foraminal-extraforaminal.
• Lower risk of degenerative complications and spinal instability that may require more aggressive surgeries such as interbody arthrodesis (screws and bars).
• Reduces bleeding compared to open surgery or microdisectomy.
• Lower risk of infections thanks to the minimal incision made in advanced spinal endoscopy.

Elgeadi Traumatology has a team of best spine specialists, where we can treat all your problems arising from this through advanced microsurgery such as spinal endoscopy.

Preoperative:

The previous study is essential and must be composed of different complementary tests: lateral, anteroposterior and functional radiographs in maximum extension and flexion of the lumbar spine. In addition, an MRI and a neurophysiological study with an electromyoneurogram are usually necessary.

The patient must have experienced, for at least 6 weeks, symptoms resulting from lumbar disc herniation compression or canal stenosis without significant relief with anti-inflammatories, analgesics, or antineuritic drugs.

Postoperative:

In relation to post-surgical medication, anti-inflammatories – analgesics are used in the first days as required. Generally, an analgesic drug is usually sufficient.

If there is any lumbar discomfort due to muscle contracture, in relation to the surgical posture, it is advisable to apply local heat for 20 minutes 3-4 times a day and perform progressive stretching exercises.

If residual low back pain persists, the exercises can be complemented with a physical rehabilitation session in a specialized center.

Forecast:

The results studied, in the short and medium term, are very good without the need for revisions or new surgeries due to complications.

In cases in which stem cells are implanted in the damaged intervertebral disc, annual reviews are performed to study the clinical improvement of the disc, using magnetic resonance imaging.

In the rest of the interventions, control is usually done in consultation in the first 15 days after surgery and after a month.

What is a herniated disc?

Herniated disc is an increasingly common problem among the population. Specifically, around 20-33% of spinal column pathologies affect the cervical region.

Herniated disc or herniated disc refers to a problem in the intervertebral discs. Normally, this pathology is solved with an intervention carried out by a spine specialist. A herniated disc occurs when part of the nucleus is pushed outward caused by a tear in the annulus. The most common herniations are the L5 S1 disc protrusion and the L4 L5 disc protrusion.

How do you recover from cervical disc herniation?

Arthrodesis is the most common surgical treatment for cervical disc herniations. This technique must be performed by a herniated disc specialist, as it involves fixing segments in the cervical spine. It can cause loss of mobility and new hernias or cervical osteoarthritis, in the short or medium term. Recovery is slow and requires immobilization.

Doctor Ghassan Elgeadi's team has great spine specialists in the national territory. Using innovative techniques, it manages to avoid the complications of arthrodesis by performing an arthroplasty or cervical disc prosthesis. In this way, the physiological movement of the cervical spine can be saved.

This technique, carried out by doctors who are experts in herniated discs, consists of removing the disc and the herniation that compresses the nerve root and/or spinal cord to replace it with a disc prosthesis. One of the main objectives is to avoid limitations in neck movement after surgery.

It is a minimally invasive technique, which only requires an approach of approximately 2 cm in the neck following the cervical flexure wrinkle.

The patient is discharged 24 hours after the intervention and does not require immobilization. Once the effects of the anesthesia have ended, the patient will be able to move their neck.

In short, arthroplasty or cervical prosthesis is the most innovative surgical technique used to treat spinal column pathologies. This is because it is less aggressive and provides greater benefits for patients with cervical disc herniation at one or more levels.

On the website you can meet the spine specialist doctors who are part of Doctor Elgeadi's team.

What is neck pain due to cervical sprain?

In order to adequately define cervical sprain, it is necessary to clearly differentiate the different terms related to this pathology.

• Cervicalgia It is a symptomatic concept, which does not respond to a specific injury. Patients often experience pain in the neck.
• Cervical sprain is an affectation of the cervical vertebral joints due to distension (partial or complete tear of muscle fibers).. A first diagnosis can be made based on the patient's symptoms, but complementary tests are essential to give a firm answer.
• Whiplash: It occurs as a consequence of a flexion-extension mechanism on the cervical spine, but does not refer to the injuries produced. It is common for its appearance after a traffic accident.

What is spinal radiofrequency?

Radiofrequency is a simple treatment for the treatment of herniated discs that is applied using a system of special needles. There are two types of radiofrequency: conventional and pulsed radiofrequency.

Conventional radiofrequency produces heat injuries in tissues, and can reach a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius.

Pulsed radiofrequency is more controlled and does not cause tissue damage. It is applied using an alternating current in the form of pulses that is constantly deactivated to avoid overheating of the tissues.

The objective of this procedure is to produce partial lesions or complete ablation of the sensory branches that innervate the posterior joints of the spine (facet joints). In this way, spinal pain caused by the wear and tear of these joints (osteoarthritis) is relieved.

What is sciatica?

It is a pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. Sciatica branches from the lower back or lumbar, even the legs. The problem usually appears when a part of the sciatic nerve is compressed.

Although it is a painful pathology, it normally does not require surgical intervention for its solution. 

Symptoms of sciatica

The most common symptom of sciatica is the appearance of pain, which extends from the lower back or lumbar to the buttocks and legs. The pain scale usually varies depending on the degree of nerve oppression.

Generally, the pain worsens during sneezing, coughing, or long periods of time in the same position. It is important to go to a specialist, if pain appears, to prevent the injury from becoming chronic.

Risk factors for sciatica

Some of the risk factors for sciatica are age, obesity, continuous carrying of heavy objects or a sedentary lifestyle.

For prevention, it is advisable to exercise regularly and maintain good postural hygiene. If symptoms appear, it is best to go to a specialist doctor.