By John Aldridge, MD, FAAOS
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among patients, affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections fail to provide relief, patients suffering nerve pain due to conditions like facet joint arthritis, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis may benefit from ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery.
Traditional spine surgery often requires large incisions, muscle disruption and prolonged recovery. In contrast, Arthrex endoscopic spine surgery utilizes a tiny incision—often smaller than a dime—through which the entire procedure is performed. This approach allows surgeons to visualize and access critical spinal anatomy with greater precision and minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.
For patients suffering from lumbar disc herniations, endoscopic discectomy offers a highly targeted and less disruptive alternative to traditional surgery. Depending on the location of the herniation, the surgeon may select an interlaminar or transforaminal approach to safely decompress the affected nerves.
Using an endoscope, the surgeon accesses the spine through a tiny incision and removes the herniated disc material that is compressing the nerve. The tissue-sparing technique preserves stability and function, and in many cases, the incision heals so discreetly that it is barely visible afterward.
For patients with facet joint arthritis, Arthrex endoscopic spine surgery provides an innovative solution that directly targets the source of pain. The procedure focuses on the medial branch nerve, which transmits pain signals from arthritic facet joints. Using the endoscope, the surgeon precisely identifies and severs the nerve, offering a more permanent alternative to traditional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and other temporary treatments.
Unlike open spinal procedures, Arthrex’s ultra-minimally invasive techniques offer several advantages, including:
• Minimal bone and tissue disruption, preserving spinal stability
• Faster recovery—many patients return to normal activities sooner than with traditional surgery
• Lower risk of infection and complications
• Outpatient setting, avoiding lengthy hospital stays
• Smaller incision, leading to less post-operative pain and scarring
While endoscopic spine surgery is a powerful tool, not every patient is a candidate. Those with severe spinal instability, trauma or advanced scoliosis may require alternative interventions. As with any procedure, potential risks include infection, vascular or neurological injury and the possibility of persistent symptoms.
Arthrex remains at the forefront of minimally invasive surgical advancements, continually refining techniques to enhance patient outcomes. Through comprehensive surgical education programs, Arthrex ensures that spine surgeons receive expert training in these cutting-edge procedures.
By partnering with leading orthopedic surgeons, including those at Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine, Arthrex is helping redefine spinal care—delivering solutions that improve both surgical efficiency and patient recovery.
For more information on endoscopic spine surgery and to explore candidacy, visit arthrexendoscopicspine.com or hrosm.com.
John Aldridge, MD, FAAOS, is a Board certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive muscle sparing spinal surgery and total joint replacement surgery. He continues to bring proven, new and cutting-edge techniques for spinal surgery and total joint replacement of the hip, knee, shoulder and elbow to the Hampton Roads community. hrosm.com
