When the spine deteriorates the body responds by accumulating calcium, which causes enlargement of bones and thickening of the tendons to accommodate this added weight. This extra bone and tendon can, in some cases, lead to narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal, which houses a number of nerves. These nerves can then become compressed. Usually the nerves that branch out from the spinal canal are compressed first; if the condition becomes more severe, stenosis will occur to the spinal cord. Recent advances in surgical techniques allow for endoscopically assisted bony decompression for neurogenic claudication symptoms due to spinal stenosis.
Endoscopic decompression is performed in order to remove pressure that is placed on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots located in the spinal column.
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Least invasive technique -Less trauma to muscles and soft tissue than with traditional open surgery
Fast recovery time
Minimal pain or discomfort following the surgery Immediate leg pain relief in most cases
Fewer complications and risks than open spine surgery
Small incision and minimal scar tissue
High success rate and sustained success of the therapy
No or minimal blood loss
No hardware placement or loss of mobility.
-Risks associated with an anaesthesia and surgery
Once the patient is under anesthesia the surgeon will insert the endoscope through an incision of eight millimeters directly to the nerves that are being compressed, without damaging any of the healthy tissue surrounding the site. The endoscope will allow the surgeon to clearly see the nerves so they may trim only the area where the nerves are compressed, whether compression is caused by a bulging disc or constriction due to joints and tendons. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Arrange for help once you get back home. You will need to rest quite a bit after your surgery. You’ll also have restrictions on lifting and the types of activities you can participate in.
The patient can walk immediately after surgery. You may also be advised to wear a back brace for added support during the healing process.
Possible risks of reherniation, wound infections, durotomy, and nerve root injury but these are usually self-limiting and successfully managed with supportive care.
What are the symptoms of spinal canal stenosis?
Pain
Pain caused by the compression of nerves will occur in the arms or legs, and may feel like an ache that travels along the path of those nerves. Depending on which nerves are compressed, pain will be unique to those nerves. Weakness The nerves of the spine control movement of muscles. Compression of these nerves causes a disruption to the electrical signals that are transmitted, leading to weakness of the muscles.
Numbness
Compression of the nerves can lead to loss of sensation on the surface of the skin to which the nerves are connected. What many people believe is that conditions that affect the spine cause back pain, but in reality, symptoms that are more important are those that affect the limbs as these demonstrate that the nerves have been disturbed. The symptoms of spinal canal stenosis is different from those of spinal disc herniation in that the former often occurs gradually and manifests as aching and heaviness of the legs, especially after walking a long distance or standing in one place for a long time. Symptoms may improve when bending over or squatting, which leads to the misunderstanding that the symptoms were caused by natural fatigue caused by age rather than a spinal condition that is curable.
What are the indicators for the procedure?
Generally the indicators for surgery include: unsuccessful treatment by alternative methods, chronic pain, clear weakness of the legs, or the inability to control bladder and bowel.