Best Hospital in Thane - Horizon Prime Hospital

Artificial Disc Replacement and Endoscopic Spine Surgery The Two Game Changers of Spinal Surgery, Has Revolutionized The Landscape of Spinal Care

Innovative solutions in spinal surgery have revolutionized the landscape of spinal care, offering unprecedented precision, efficiency, and patient-centeredness across all phases of care. The field of spinal surgery has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years, propelled by ground breaking innovations that have reshaped traditional approaches to patient care. From advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive surgical techniques and integrated care models, these innovations have significantly improved clinical outcomes, reduced complications, and enhanced patient experience.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “The field of spine surgery has witnessed a significant shift towards minimally invasive techniques in the recent years. This trend is driven by the desire to minimize surgical trauma and promote faster patient recovery. Endoscopic spine surgery  represents a cutting-edge approach within the minimally invasive surgery, offering numerous advantages over traditional open surgery. Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique that utilizes a thin, high-resolution camera called an endoscope to visualize the spine. Surgeons operate through small incisions, minimizing muscle dissection and tissue disruption. Endoscopic spine surgery offers several benefits for patients like smaller scars, reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays and quick recovery to get back to daily activities”.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, further said “Diagnostic innovations have become the cornerstone of modern spinal surgery, empowering clinicians with unparalleled insights into the complex anatomy of the spine. MRI has emerged as a gold standard for evaluating soft tissue structures, such as spinal discs, nerves, and ligaments, with exceptional clarity and detail. The CT scans complement MRI by providing high-resolution images of bone structures and spinal alignment, aiding in the assessment of fractures and deformities.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Spine surgery has traditionally been associated with significant recovery times and limited postoperative mobility. Advancements in medical technology have introduced innovative techniques designed to preserve motion and improve outcomes for patients. These innovations span the entire continuum of spinal health, from initial diagnosis to post-operative rehabilitation, heralding a new era of precision, efficiency, and patient-centeredness in spinal surgical interventions.”

Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is a cutting-edge technique that involves replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, which limits movement by fusing vertebrae together, artificial disc replacement preserves the natural motion of the spine. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with degenerative disc disease. Artificial disc surgery is an alternative to spinal fusion for the treatment of instability and painful degeneration of the spine. In a spinal fusion, two or more bones in the spine (vertebrae) are fused together – usually with metal plates and screws – eliminating motion between them. In artificial disc surgery, the damaged disc is replaced with a prosthetic disc, which allows full range of motion of the spine while still ensuring stability and reducing pain.

Dr Vishwanathan Iyer, Leading Brain and Spine Surgeon and Consultant, Horizon Prime Hospitals said “Advancements in biomechanical engineering have revolutionized the design and functionality of spinal implants and prosthetics. Biocompatible materials, such as titanium alloys and polyetheretherketone, have replaced traditional materials, offering superior strength, durability, and compatibility with the body’s tissues. Besides, Artificial disc replacement has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional spinal fusion surgeries, preserving spinal motion and reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. ADR implants mimic the natural biomechanics of the spine, providing patients with restored mobility and reduced stress on adjacent spinal segments. Additionally, dynamic stabilization devices and motion-preserving techniques offer alternatives to rigid spinal fusion, preserving spinal flexibility and reducing the need for extensive hardware placement. If one has a back or neck pain from a degenerated disc and if nonsurgical treatments are not working, then artificial disc surgery is a good solution. Artificial disc surgery may not be a good option if more than one or two vertebrae in your spine are affected, or if you have excess bone or connective tissue putting pressure on the nerves that enter and exit your spine”.

Endoscopic Spine surgery technique is another breakthrough technique and a game changer because it gives patients a better recovery with less pain and less need for narcotics and their related side-effects. It is an emerging type of minimally-invasive spine surgery that reduces the use of pain medication in patients’ recovery compared to those who undergo other less minimally-invasive spine surgery, which use larger incisions resulting in more post-operative pain. This ultra-minimally-invasive surgery, called unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy, is an endoscopic technique that requires only two small incisions for a camera and surgical tools to repair herniated discs in the lower back.

Dr Jayesh Bhanushali, Leading Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon and Consultant Horizon Prime Hospital said “Endoscopic spinal surgery can be used for a variety of conditions. But it is most useful for patients with disk protrusions — especially foraminal and extraforaminal disk protrusions — where our standard approach would involve more removal of supportive bony structures. The truly minimally invasive approach with endoscopy results in fewer permanent biomechanical alterations following elective spinal surgery. Although endoscopic spinal surgery was first performed decades ago, it has garnered increasing interest, due to recent innovations in endoscopic tools. The most obvious potential benefit of endoscopy is less collateral damage to the surrounding tissues of the spinal column. That generally means a shorter recovery period. Patients potentially need less pain medication and can return to activities more quickly.”

The Final Takeaway

As technology continues to evolve and interdisciplinary collaboration thrives, the future of spinal surgery holds immense promise for further advancements that will continue to elevate standards of care and optimize patient outcomes.

Endoscopic spine surgery continues to evolve, with emerging techniques and technologies offering new possibilities for patients in Thane and beyond. As the field continues to progress, the future of endoscopic spine surgery looks bright.

Besides, with Artificial disc replacement that allows to preserve the natural motion of the spine, these innovative techniques allow patients to maintain a more active and flexible lifestyle post-surgery. Motion-preserving surgeries effectively address the source of pain while maintaining spinal function, providing lasting relief. Patients undergoing motion-preserving spine surgery often experience shorter recovery periods and can return to their daily activities faster than those who undergo traditional spinal fusion.

Horizon Prime Hospital’s experienced team of Neuro and Spine Surgeons can help you to get back to normal and lead a healthy lifestyle. The world-class advanced technologies with experienced doctors and nurses’ team will help you get back to a state of perfect health.