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Minimally Invasive Back And Neck Surgery Specialist

Jorge E. Isaza, MD -  - Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon

Spine Specialists of Louisiana

Jorge E. Isaza, MD

Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon & USCIS-Immigration Medical Exams located in Baton Rouge, LA

The benefits of minimally invasive back and neck surgery can go a long way toward easing your apprehension about spine surgery. You also need to have confidence in your surgeon, which is why patients travel from all over the world to see Jorge Isaza, MD, at Spine Specialists of Louisiana. Dr. Isaza is a board-certified spine surgeon, an expert in minimally invasive spine surgery, and one of an elite group of surgeons with extensive experience performing endoscopic spine surgery. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, or use the online booking feature.

Minimally Invasive Back and Neck Surgery Q&A

What is minimally invasive back and neck surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is done through one or two small incisions and using narrow surgical instruments that are specially designed to fit through the tiny incisions.

When Dr. Isaza uses minimally invasive techniques and tools, he can perform your surgery without cutting the muscles and ligaments that support your spine. By comparison, open surgery uses a long incision that cuts through all the soft tissues.

How do specialists perform minimally invasive back and neck surgery?

After making a small incision, Dr. Isaza inserts a narrow tubular retractor. The retractor gently separates the muscle fibers and creates access to your spine without cutting the soft tissues. Then Dr. Isaza inserts the surgical instruments through the tube.

Dr. Isaza may use one of two instruments to view your spine, a surgical microscope or an endoscope. Though some minimally invasive procedures may require the microscope, Dr. Isaza is one of a small group of experts in endoscopic spine surgery.

An endoscope consists of a narrow tube that contains a video camera and lighting. Dr. Isaza inserts the endoscope through the center of the retractor, and then the scope sends high-definition images of the surgical site to a monitor.

Dr. Isaza has two options for performing your procedure. He can insert the surgical instruments through the endoscope, or he can make a second incision and pass the instruments through a second retractor tube.

What benefits do I gain with minimally invasive back and neck surgery?

After finishing your minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Isaza removes the retractor tube, and your muscles naturally return to their normal position without needing extensive time to heal. As a result, minimally invasive spine surgery causes significantly less trauma compared with open surgery.

When you undergo minimally invasive back and neck surgery, you have:

  • Less pain after surgery
  • Lower risk of bleeding during surgery
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Minimal scarring
  • Quicker recovery
  • Less rehabilitation
  • Faster return to your usual activities

You can go home the same day after many minimally invasive spine procedures. If you need to stay in the hospital, however, you’ll be discharged in less time than you would with open surgery.

What spine problems are treated with minimally invasive surgery?

Dr. Isaza treats a wide range of problems with minimally invasive back and neck surgery, including:

  • Scoliosis
  • Bone spurs
  • Herniated discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis
  • Compressed nerves
  • Facet joint arthritis
  • Thickened ligaments
  • Spinal instability
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Vertebral compression fractures

If you struggle with back or neck pain or know you may need spine surgery, call Spine Specialists of Louisiana or book an appointment online.