Information on Laser Spine Technology

Laser spine surgery is now becoming a trend and the choice of procedure over conventional spinal surgery. What is so good about laser spine surgery is that blood loss is very minimal because of small incisions. Also, the associated pain is minimal and the period of recovery is relatively fast.

Laser spine surgery is performed to treat spinal problems like radiculopathy, sciatica, failed back syndrome, foraminal stenosis, nerve constrictions and arthritis. Typically, this type of surgery is performed with the use of mild sedatives or local anesthetics thus eliminating risks associated with traditional spinal surgery that requires general anesthesia. Because of very small incisions in laser spine surgery, both pain and scarring are very minimal. In some cases, no scars or marks can be seen at all.

Laser spine surgery uses the different techniques below:

• Microscopic
• Endoscopic
• Arthriscopic

Below are the different procedures that are performed in laser spine surgery:

• Foraminotomy
• Laminotomy
• Facet Thermal Ablation
• Percutaneous Arthroscopic Disectomy

Below are spinal conditions and disorders that can be treated using laser spine surgery (Foraminotomy):

- Herniated or Bulging discs
- Nerve root compression
- Foraminal stenosis
- Bone spurs
- Spinal scar tissue formation
- Arthritis of the spine

Nerve Root Compression: This type of spinal disorder requires the spine to have more space to prevent too much pressure. Laser spine surgery is the best way to treat this condition by allowing the spine to have more space in between vertebras.

Osteophytes or Bone Spurs: Laser spine surgery is also used to treat osteophytes or bone spurs. This condition involves enlargement of the bone in the spine thus causing pain in the back and neck. This is normal as aging occurs and studies show that osteophytes or bone spurs is present in people above 60 years old.

Scar Tissue: Laminotomy laser spine surgery is very effective in removing a scar tissue. Scar tissue typically occurs after undergoing surgery and this is normal because it is a part of the recovery process. However, sometimes a scar tissue causes back or leg pain due to impingement of the nerve that is caused by too much pressure applied by the nerves to the spinal cord.


Studies show that 70 to 90 percent of patients that have undergone laser spine surgery are very much satisfied with the results. With the usual surgery, the rate of "excellent relief" normally ranges from about 50 to 70 percent only. This just shows how effective laser spine surgery is in treating different spinal disorders. To know more about it, you can consult your physician.