Endoscopic Spine Surgery is a very innovative minimally invasive technique, which must be performed by a specialist spine doctor, with which pathologies such as herniated disk and Spinal stenosis can be treated . 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 specialist doctor can observe the patient's spine.

This surgery has evolved significantly in the last 20 years, creating new methods and surgical approaches to address the spine. Some of the pathologies that can be treated 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 Madrid.

The first phase of Endoscopic Spine Surgery requires approximately 30 minutes.

• Firstly, the patient is put under anesthesia. In most cases, general anesthesia is used.
• Secondly, the position of the patient for this surgery acquires special importance: prone position with padding on the chest and the pelvis. With tilting in the lower limbs’ flexion.
• Thirdly, Anteroposterior and lateral projections are used to accurately identify the approach and entry of the endoscopic optical camera.

The second surgical phase usually takes about 45 minutes:

• After determining the part to be treated radiologically, an incision of less than 1 cm is made in the skin.
• The endoscope is inserted into the spinal canal, and the compressed root is dissected to remove the herniated fragment. It is essential to ensure complete root liberation by exploring the course of the nerve and reviewing the inner part of the disc.
• Subsequently, in certain cases, stem cell implantation will proceed.

●    Minimal tissue damage and rapid recovery after surgery.
●    Endoscopy provides a high-definition view that cannot be obtained with the naked eye or even with a microscope.
●   The skin incision is less than 1 centimeter.
●    Less pain after surgery, as the hospital discharge is almost immediately after the operation, which also reduces the risk of complications.
●    Allows the treatment of pathologies both in the spinal canal and in the foraminal-extraforaminal.
●    Low risk of the complications of the degenerative disc disease and spinal instability that may require more aggressive surgeries such as arthrodesis/ Spine Fusion (Pedicle Screws and Rods).
●    Reduces bleeding compared to open surgery or microdiscectomy.
●   Less risk of infection thanks to the minimal incision made in Advanced Endoscopic Spine Surgery. 

Elgeadi Traumatology has a team of the best spine specialists, where we can treat all your spinal problems derived from it 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 Electromyoneurography are usually required.

The patient must have experienced, for at least 6 weeks, symptoms derived from lumbar herniated disc compression or Lumbar spinal stenosis without significant relief with anti-inflammatory, analgesic or antineuritic drugs.

Postoperative:
In relation to post-surgical medication, anti-inflammatories - analgesics are used the first few days as required. Generally, a drug is usually sufficient with an analgesic.
If there is any lower back pain due to muscle contracture, in relation to the surgical position, it is recommended to apply local heat for 20 minutes 3-4 times a day and perform progressive stretching exercises.If the pain in the lower back remains, the exercises can be complemented with a physical rehabilitation session in a specialized center.

Prognostic:

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 check-ups are carried out to study the clinical improvement of the disc, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In the rest of the interventions, control is usually carried out in the consultation in the first 15 days after surgery and a month later.

What is a herniated disc?

Herniated disc is an increasingly common problem among the population. Specifically, about 20-33% of spine pathologies affect the cervical region.A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured), 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 a fragment of the disc nucleus is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture 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 herniated cervical discs. This technique must be performed by a herniated disc specialist since it involves fixing segments in the cervical spine. It can cause loss of mobility and new hernias or cervical arthrosis, in the short or medium term. Recovery is slow and requires immobilization.
Dr Ghassan Elgeadi's team has great spine specialists in the Community of Madrid. Using innovative techniques, he manages to avoid the complications of arthrodesis by performing an arthroplasty or cervical disc replacement surgery. In this way, the physiological movement of the cervical spine can be saved.
This technique, carried out by expert doctors in a herniated disc, consists of removing the disc and the hernia 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 that only requires approximately 2 cm into the neck after the cervical flexure.
The patient is discharged 24 hours after surgery and does not require immobilization. Once the effects of anesthesia wear off, the patient will be able to move their neck.
In short, arthroplasty or cervical disc prosthesis is the most innovative surgical technique used to treat spinal pathologies (disorders). This is because it is less risky and provides greater benefits for patients with cervical herniated disc at one or more levels.

Please visit the website in which you can meet the spine specialist doctors who are part of Doctor Elgeadi's team.  

What Is Neck Pain Caused By Cervical Sprain?

In order to adequately define cervical sprain, it is necessary to clearly differentiate the different terms related to this pathology.
●    Neck Pain: is a symptomatic concept which does not respond to a specific injury. Patients usually experience neck pain.
●   Cervical Sprain: is an affectation of the cervical vertebral joints due to distension (partial or complete tearing of muscle fibers). An initial diagnosis can be made based on the patient's symptoms, but additional tests are essential to provide a firm answer.
●    Cervical Whiplash: it occurs as a consequence of a flexing-extension mechanism on the cervical spine, but it does not refer to accidental injuries. It is common for its appearance after a traffic accident.
 

What is Radiofrequency (RF) regarding the spine?

Radiofrequency (RF) is a simple treatment for the treatment of a herniated disc that is applied using a system of special needles. There are two types of radiofrequency (RF): conventional and pulsed radiofrequency.
Conventional radiofrequency produces heat lesions in the tissues, being able to reach a temperature of 80°C.
Pulsed radiofrequency is more controlled and does not cause tissue damage. It is applied through an alternating current in the form of pulses that is constantly deactivated to avoid overheating of the tissues.
Its objective is to produce partial lesions or complete ablation of the sensitive 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 (arthrosis) is relieved.

What is sciatica?

It is a pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve and sciatica branches from the lower back (lumbar vertebrae) to the legs. The problem usually appears when a part of the sciatic nerve is compressed. Although it is a painful pathology, it does not normally require a surgical intervention for its solution.

Sciatica symptoms:

The most common symptom of sciatica is recognizing the pain, which extends from the lower back (lumbar vertebrae) 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, before the onset of pain, to avoid a chronification of the injury.

Risk Factors for Sciatica:

Some of the risk factors for sciatica are age, obesity, continuous load of heavy objects, or a sedentary lifestyle.
For its prevention, it is recommended to exercise regularly and maintain good postural hygiene. Before symptoms appear, it is best to consult a specialist doctor.