Endoscopic Spine Surgery in Central Alabama
Endoscopic spine surgery is the least invasive surgical technique available to identify and treat the root cause of back and leg pain. It is a modern procedure developed to target spinal compression with minimal collateral tissue disruption.
Your surgeon uses an endoscope, an HD camera, and micro-instruments, working through an incision about half an inch wide. Through that single small opening, the surgeon can see the spine directly, find the source of the pain, and treat it, all in the same procedure. Explore our specialized Back Pain Center to see how this compares with other options.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, endoscopic spine surgery is performed by Dr. Milo Sanda, DO, our fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon. Dr. Sanda treats the full range of neck and back conditions, from herniated discs and sciatica to degenerative disc disease, and he begins with the least invasive option that will solve the problem.
If back or leg pain is limiting your work, your sleep, or your ability to stay active, request an appointment with Dr. Sanda to find out what is actually causing it.
When Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery Used?
Endoscopic spine surgery is generally considered only after more conservative treatments have been tried, such as physical therapy, injections, or pain management. Surgery is not the first step.
If pain persists, endoscopic spine surgery is most commonly used to treat:
Herniated discs
Protruded discs
Extruded discs
Bulging discs
Disc tears
Sciatica
Disc issues that compress or irritate the spinal nerves
Back pain has many causes, and not all of them are surgical. If you are not sure where your pain is coming from, start with our Back Pain Center guide. If your back was injured on the job, our workers’ compensation team can manage both your treatment and your claim.
Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Traditional spine surgery requires a large incision and significant disruption of the surrounding muscle. Endoscopic surgery reaches the spine through an opening narrower than your finger.
Through that incision, the surgeon uses a camera and micro-instruments to clear out the problem and take pressure off the nerves. The advance is significant enough that the technique is now referred to as ultra minimally invasive surgery.
Compared with open spine surgery, this generally means:
A much smaller incision and minimal scarring
Less disruption to surrounding muscle and tissue
Less post-operative pain
Faster recovery and return to normal activity
Lower risk of the complications associated with large open incisions, and a smoother path into physical therapy afterward
Frequently Asked Questions
How is endoscopic spine surgery different from minimally invasive spine surgery?
Endoscopic surgery is the least invasive option available. Standard minimally invasive spine surgery still uses retractors and a larger opening, while endoscopic surgery works through a single incision of about half an inch, using a camera to see inside the spine directly.
Am I a candidate for endoscopic spine surgery?
It is generally an option for patients with disc-related nerve compression, such as a herniated disc or sciatica, who have not improved with conservative treatment. Not every spine condition can be treated endoscopically. Dr. Sanda will review your imaging and history to determine whether you are a candidate.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery is typically faster than with open spine surgery, because the muscle and surrounding tissue are largely left intact. Most patients are up and walking the same day. Your exact timeline depends on your condition, your overall health, and the work you return to, and your surgeon will give you a specific plan.
Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?
Endoscopic spine surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients go home the same day. Your surgeon will confirm what to expect based on your individual case.
Does insurance cover endoscopic spine surgery?
Coverage varies by plan and by procedure, and most insurers require documentation that conservative treatment was tried first. Our billing and insurance team can review your benefits and explain your options before you schedule.
Schedule Your Endoscopic Spine Surgery Consultation Today
You do not have to live with back, neck, or leg pain, and you do not have to jump straight to open surgery. Dr. Milo Sanda and the team at Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons will diagnose the true source of your pain and start with the least invasive treatment that can fix it, whether that is therapy, an injection, or endoscopic surgery.
We treat patients from across Central Alabama, with locations in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka, and we care for spine injuries in athletes and working adults alike.
Request an appointment or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule your consultation, or learn more by visiting our primary Back Pain Center.