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Precision Spine Surgery

Under the expertise of Dr. Michael Gerling, we apply the latest technological advancements in spine surgery to ensure every patient receives care that minimizes disruption to healthy tissue and maximizes results.

What is Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic Spine Surgery is a highly advanced, ultra-minimally invasive surgical method designed to treat various spinal conditions using specialized instruments. These instruments, such as the endoscope, are about the size of a pencil and allow surgeons to reach and treat targeted areas of the spine without the need for large incisions. This approach minimizes tissue damage and muscle disruption, leading to faster recovery and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgeries.

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, our spine specialists use state-of-the-art technology and precision instruments to visualize and treat specific areas of the spine with remarkable accuracy. In many cases, endoscopic spine procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day and resume normal activities faster than with traditional surgery.

A Legacy of Innovation: Bringing Minimally Invasive Solutions to Spine Care

For over four decades, pioneers in orthopedics and sports medicine have focused on improving surgical techniques to make procedures less invasive and more efficient. Historically, spinal surgeries, including spinal fusions, involved large, open incisions that disrupted significant muscle tissue and caused longer recovery times. Even nonfusion surgeries often relied on these methods.

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we recognize the importance of applying a tissue-sparing approach to spine surgery. Drawing inspiration from advancements in orthopedic surgery, we bring minimally invasive, endoscopic techniques to spinal procedures, helping to preserve muscles, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery for our patients.

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Common Conditions Treated with Endoscopic Spine Surgery

The spine is a highly complex structure that plays a crucial role in movement and stability. When injuries or degenerative conditions affect the spine, they can result in pain, numbness, muscle stiffness, or weakness. At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, endoscopic spine surgery is used to treat several spinal conditions, including:

Herniated discs

When the cushioning disc between the vertebrae becomes displaced or ruptures, compressing nearby nerves.

Spinal stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves.

Degenerative disc disease

Age-related wear and tear on the spine, causing chronic back pain.

Sciatica

Pain that radiates from the lower back down the legs due to nerve compression.

Spinal tumors

Removal or treatment of abnormal growths affecting the spine.

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Advanced Endoscopic Techniques at Gerling Spine Care

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we offer a range of endoscopic procedures to treat different spinal conditions. Here’s an overview of the most common techniques:

Medial Branch Transection

This technique is used to address facet joint arthritis, which can cause low back pain. Through an ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic approach, the medial branch nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals from nearby arthritic joints is severed, eliminating the pain source.

Interlaminar Approach

This approach is primarily used to treat herniated discs and spinal stenosis. The surgeon uses an endoscope and high-resolution camera to carefully remove the herniated portion of the disc, reducing nerve compression and relieving symptoms like pain and numbness.

Transforaminal Approach

Another minimally invasive option for herniated discs, particularly in the lumbar spine (lower back). A small incision is made along the back ridge, and the endoscope allows the surgeon to directly visualize and remove the herniation without affecting surrounding tissues.

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Why Choose Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

The benefits of endoscopic spine surgery make it a preferred option for many patients, particularly those seeking a faster recovery and fewer complications. Here's why:

  • Faster Recovery: The minimally invasive nature of the procedure typically leads to a quicker return to daily activities.
  • Reduced Pain and Complications: Smaller incisions mean less tissue damage, resulting in reduced post-operative pain and a lower risk of complications, such as infections.
  • Minimal Need for Pain Medication: Research shows that patients undergoing endoscopic spine surgery often require fewer or no narcotic pain medications, which enhances post-surgical comfort.
  • Preservation of Muscle and Bone: Unlike traditional open surgeries that may involve cutting through muscle or removing bone, endoscopic techniques preserve healthy tissues, improving outcomes.

Understanding the Prevalence of Spine-Related Issues

Back pain is incredibly common, affecting up to 8 out of 10 adults at some point in their lives. The spine, being one of the most critical structures in the body, supports movement and stability. When damage occurs, either from injury or degeneration, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, and muscle stiffness. Endoscopic spine surgery offers an effective solution to these issues, restoring function and reducing pain with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

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Comprehensive Spine Care at Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute

At Gerling Spine Care and Research Institute, we are dedicated to providing patient-centered, minimally invasive spine care. Our approach prioritizes precision and recovery, helping our patients return to their normal routines as quickly as possible. Led by Dr. Michael Gerling, our team combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to offer the most advanced treatments available in the field of spine care.

If you're considering spinal surgery and are looking for ultra-minimally invasive options that reduce pain, shorten recovery times, and preserve spinal function, contact us today to learn more about endoscopic spine surgery. Our team will evaluate your condition, explain the procedure, and develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique needs.

Our Locations

Gerling Spinecare & Research Institute consists of NY Orthopedics & Gerling Institute NJ. Two practices, one standard of excellence.

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We're here to help you move forward.

Relief starts with quality orthopedic care. Contact us today to take the next step toward a more active, pain-free life.

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