Microspine is offering a new micro-invasive treatment for patients suffering chronic low back pain, the Intracept® Procedure. The Intracept® Procedure is an outpatient procedure that targets the basivertebral nerve for the relief of chronic low back pain.
Patients with chronic low back pain that has not responded to at least 6 months of conservative care and an MRI that shows changes at L3 through S1 should make an appointment with DISC spine surgeons to determine if this is the best procedure for your care.
Micro-invasive, endoscopic microdiscectomy requires a small incision, usually no larger than 1 cm, and x-rays to gain access to the lumbar spine.
Under x-ray guidance, a series of muscle dilators are used to stretch soft tissue, instead of cutting muscles, and create a path for the endoscope. Special instruments can also be used to shave down arthritic bone that may also be compressing a nerve. Once placed, the endoscope allows the physician to use direct visualization of the disc, nerve, and other structures and to safely remove problematic disc, freeing up the nerves.
Usually done under monitored anesthesia care, meaning you’re awake and responsive, but comfortable throughout the
procedure.
Unlike traditional open surgery, in which muscles, ligaments, and even and bones might be severed to reach the specified area; endoscopic microdiscectomy uses an endoscope, or small camera, to magnify the area where the microdiscectomy will be performed. Through the use of this technique only a small portion of the herniated disc that is compressing the spinal nerve needs to be removed.
While this is an outpatient surgery, we do recommend resting for a prescribed period post-operative and then gradually increasing activity levels with instruction and supervision by your providers. You will also be advised to wear a back brace for added support during the healing process.