Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Spine surgery has advanced dramatically with the technology surrounding minimally invasive surgical techniques. With these techniques, the risks, recovery time, and surgical complications have decreased greatly.
Advances in spine imaging allow surgeons to see smaller and smaller spinal problems. Individual spinal nerves, bone spurs, and small disc fragments can be easily seen and diagnosed. Spinal surgery techniques have advanced to the point where some procedures can be performed with incisions less than 1 inch.
Many modern techniques utilize minimally invasive surgery (MIS). For some patients, a minimally invasive procedure may be a better surgical option than a traditional or “open” spinal surgery. Instead of removing muscle attachments from bones, a minimally invasive surgery spreads and pushes muscles out of the way.
Computer-aided navigation techniques, X-rays, and specialized tubes or retractors with special cameras or microscopes have led to major advances in the capabilities of MIS surgery. In addition to a smaller incision, MIS surgery results in decreased post-operative pain and narcotic use, soft tissue damage, and minimal blood loss. On average, patients have a faster recovery, and return to normal activity and work faster. Most patients do not require a hospital stay and are able to go home a few hours after the surgery.
You can be assured – we have a commitment to excellence when it comes to the level of care we provide.
Percutaneous Laser Endoscopic Discectomy
Laser endoscopic discectomy and/or nerve root decompression performed with little or no skin scar.
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement is an alternative to spinal fusion for the surgical treatment of a painful disc. Artificial discs preserve movement and mimic the form and function of the spine's natural disc.
Facet Rhizotomy
A laser or a radiofrequency probe is used to deaden the affected nerves causing chronic neck and back pain from arthritic facets (spine joints).
Brain Surgery
Dr. Khanna utilizes microsurgical techniques for all neurosurgical brain surgery procedures including the use of intra-operative navigation and high powered microscopes. Some patients are also candidates for "key-hole" robotic neuro-endoscope assisted brain surgery.
Minimally Invasive Decompression
Bone spurs and enlarged ligaments from arthritis as well as herniated discs are removed from the spine where nerves are compressed using a tube or retractor that is often less than an inch in diameter. A high-powered surgical microscope is used through the tube so that the nerves can be safely seen and protected throughout the operation. This smaller incision, less muscle disruption, and preservation of more of the patient’s anatomy leads to a quicker recovery.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
In some cases, motion of the spine may become unstable or painful, either from wear and tear, trauma, or from a decompression procedure. These patients may require a spinal reconstruction/fusion to stabilize their spine. Dr. Khanna utilizes a minimally invasive technique with a smaller incision and less muscle disruption leading to a quicker recovery and less post-operative pain. Instrumentation is used to fuse vertebrae together placed under x-ray guidance through small and specialized retractors, with an incision about an inch and a half or less in length. Through the same retractors, bone spurs are removed, and spinal nerves are decompressed using a high-powered surgical microscope.
Kyphoplasty
Minimally invasive kyphoplasty gives patients an alternative to invasive surgery or conservative therapies in the treatment of compression fractures of the spine. These fractures are a common consequence of aging and osteoporosis, often cause patients to lose height and develop a stooped posture, leading to intense back pain and other symptoms. Without treatment, patients are at increased risk for developing serious and potentially fatal medical conditions.
Using a balloon to raise a collapsed vertebra, the procedure reclaims most of the natural space between the bones to restore height, and an injection of bone cement into the cavity stabilizes the fracture. Most patients undergoing kyphoplasty report immediate pain relief.
Radiosurgery
Dr. Khanna performs frameless stereotactic radiosurgery also known as "incisionless brain and spine surgery". Radiosurgery is used for the treatment of brain tumors, spine tumors, vascular malformations, and trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain). Most radiosurgery centers utilize a frame based system requiring placement of a "Halo frame" attached to the skull with screws which is associated with significant pain during the procedure. Frameless radiosurgery utilized by Dr. Khanna is completely painless.