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When considering undergoing spine surgery there are a few choices out there and one of them could be a Facet Thermal Ablation. Unlike conventional back surgery, this laser spine surgery procedure is minimally invasive helping the patient heal faster and get on with their life!
Facet Thermal Ablation
A laser spine surgery procedure used to relieve certain spinal conditions that can cause debilitating life altering pain. In the spinal structure the facet joints are the structures that hold the vertebra together. Being very similar to a root canal performed by a dentist, the surgeon cleans the facet joint and deadens the problem nerve with a laser. Once the laser surgery is complete the pain felt by the patient is alleviated and there is no need for any spine fusion.
Conditions treatable by Facet Thermal Ablation
- Facet Hypertrophy
- Facet Disease
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Degenerative Facet Joints
- Facet Arthritis
The above terms all refer to the same general condition of either Arthritis or degeneration of the facet joint.
Being fully encapsulated the facet joint like many other joints in the body has cartilage lining it, allowing the bone to glide smoothly over each other. There are two facet joints for each vertebrae located on each side and they are responsible for providing support, stability, and mobility for the spine. Although facet disease can affect any level of the spine, most often it develops in the lumbar region.
When considering laser spine surgery a facet thermal ablation can before with no need of general anesthesia. Because of its minimally invasive characteristic, laser spine surgery may be performed in an outpatient surgical setting.
Facet thermal ablation procedure
Once administering a local anesthetic, a Depuy tube is inserted into an incision. Laser spine surgery is performed through this tube allowing for minimal damage to the surrounding muscles and tissue by pushing them out of the way without cutting or tearing.
Through the use of a small tube (just about the size of a drinking straw) the laser, fiber optics, and irrigation is positioned and the laser spine surgery is performed on the facet joint. During the laser surgery the laser is used to free the debris from the joint and deaden the nerve affecting the joint. Lasting for about 40 minutes, the patient will often feel immediate pain relief results. Once an hour or two of monitoring have passed the patient accompanied by a companion is allowed to go.
After having laser spine surgery a patient is encouraged to take a long walk the following afternoon or evening. A post operative visit is performed the following day and in most cases the patient is given clearance to return home.
Advantages of laser surgery over conventional open back surgery
- No required fusion
- Can be done in outpatient surgical setting
- High success rate
- No need to general anesthesia
- Minimally invasive
- Fast recuperation time
- Minimal scar tissue formation