Endoscopic Diskectomy Performed by Orthopedic Spine Specialists in Freehold & Monroe Township, NJ
Along with the natural aging process, degenerative changes gradually take place in the spine. The spinal discs, which serve as cushions between vertebrae, must have sufficient water content to fulfill their function. As the discs age and lose moisture, they become thinner, brittle, and prone to breakage. Disc herniation is a common condition that occurs when the outer wall of a disc ruptures, allowing some of its inner gel-like material to seep out into the spinal canal.
A herniated disc may not cause pain or require treatment. However, if escaped disc material presses on a nearby spinal nerve, symptoms such as numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle weakness may develop. To relieve the pressure on a nerve root caused by a herniated disc, an endoscopic diskectomy may be considered. The board-certified spine surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute perform this minimally invasive surgery at our state-of-the-art surgical facilities in Freehold and Monroe Township, New Jersey.
What Does an Endoscopic Diskectomy Involve?
When performing an endoscopic diskectomy, a surgeon is able to directly visualize the damaged disc and the compressed nerve while minimizing any disruption to surrounding tissues. To gain access to the spine, the surgeon makes a few small incisions, then inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source attached to the end (endoscope). Throughout the procedure, the camera captures high-definition images of the surgical site, which are magnified and projected onto an external screen in real time. Guided by this detailed imagery, the surgeon removes a small portion of the herniated disc that is causing the nerve compression.
Could You Benefit From an Endoscopic Diskectomy?
If you have been diagnosed with a painful herniated disc and you have not found adequate symptom relief with conservative treatments, you may want to explore your surgical options. Contact AOSMI to schedule an appointment with a spine specialist at our office in Freehold or Monroe Township, NJ. We can help you determine if an endoscopic diskectomy or another procedure is right for you.
