A Brief Overview of Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spine surgery. Unlike traditional open-back surgery, this procedure only requires a 1/4 inch incision. You may be wondering, how is this possible? This technique utilizes an H.D. camera to observe the spine in real-time. This allows the surgeon to see what is happening throughout the procedure. After locating the affected spinal disc, the surgeon operates through an endoscope, using small tools to access the root cause of your pain.
This procedure can pose a solution for many spine conditions. Most often, this technique is used for the following conditions:
- Herniated or bulging disc
- Foraminal stenosis
- Annular tear
- Sciatica
- Facet syndrome
- Spinal stenosis
At BEST Health System, we are a patient-centered facility that promotes long-term health. With this being said, we strongly advocate that all patients choose the least-invasive path. Whether this is conservative therapies or endoscopic spine surgery, our surgeons are dedicated to helping patients navigate their condition.
Who Can Benefit from Endoscopic Spine Surgery?
For those who have experienced back pain, it is understood to be one of the most debilitating health concerns. From construction work to the everyday office job, back pain seems to affect nearly everyone. This is due to the spine’s overall purpose: to provide the body with structure and support. With this function comes issues, as it can be difficult for the back to support this weight. As a result, spinal discs begin to wear out, leaving them to rub against one another, causing back pain. This can cause many spine conditions, including spinal stenosis and herniated discs.
Did you know that back pain is one of the most common reasons people call out of work? Back pain can be far more severe than many may believe. It is one of the most common workplace injuries, costing the U.S. more than $100 million annually.
Since this is such a common health problem, there are many solutions. Typically, patients will begin by trying conservative methods. This includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections for pain. However, if patients do not feel relief after several months of this, they may begin to consider surgery. Endoscopic spine surgery offers patients an excellent alternative to intensive open-back surgery.
About Dr. Girton
Keith Girton, M.D. is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon for BEST Health System. With more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Girton is an excellent addition to the BEST team. He offers patients access to premiere spine and neck procedures, emphasizing the importance of finding the least invasive treatment option.
Before BEST, Dr. Girton worked at The Laser Spine Institute, where he was honored as The Most Valuable Surgeon in 2013. He then worked at Physician Partners of America, providing exceptional care to patients throughout Florida. Now, at BEST, Dr. Girton aims to find the least invasive surgical option for patients in the Cincinnati area.
Dr. Girton’s procedures depend on the condition, the severity, and the patient’s overall health. At BEST, patients begin with a conversation with our patient care coordinators, who will discuss their condition, insurance, and treatment options. After this, BEST patients will join their surgeon in a consultation to see the best surgical approach. Patients can typically walk on the day of surgery and will leave the facility on the same day. This is due to the noninvasive nature of BEST’s procedures and since it is performed on an outpatient basis.
Dr. Girton performs many procedures. Some examples include:
- Discectomy
- Foraminotomy
- Kyphoplasty
- Laminotomy
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
- Facet thermal ablation
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulator
- Pain pump implant
Contact BEST today if you have been dealing with back or neck pain. Dr. Girton’s patients recover significantly faster due to the careful approach to surgery.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery with Dr. Girton
Considering new medical advances, Dr. Girton believes traditional spine surgery is no longer necessary. Endoscopic spine surgery is an excellent option for patients with spine conditions causing chronic pain. Using a camera to monitor the surgery only requires a less-than-one-inch incision. Patients can return home the same day and recover significantly faster than patients who choose to undergo open-back surgery.
Call BEST today if you struggle with a spine condition, such as spinal stenosis. Our team dedicates themselves to ensuring that all patients are comfortable and educated regarding their treatment. Dr. Girton spends time speaking with patients about their condition and what options are available. Say goodbye to traditional healthcare because BEST offers a fully-personalized care experience.
BEST Health System
BEST Health System is an orthopaedic and spine facility in Cincinnati, OH. We have a patient-centered facility, from patients’ initial conversations with patient care coordinators to our exceptional surgeons. Please do not settle for traditional surgery; it is time to seek out the BEST. To make an appointment with Dr. Girton, contact our team today.
