Full Endoscopic Annuloplasty

Endoscopic annuloplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure which involves the repair of the annulus in case of any tears or damage to the disc region. The annulus is a tough circular portion surrounding your intervertebral discs. It consists of fibers that protect the inner core area of the discs, connecting the spinal vertebrae. The fibers of the annulus prevent leakage of any gelatinous material from the inner core of the disc through even distribution of pressure on the intervertebral discs.

Types of endoscopic annuloplasty

• Endoscopic thermal annuloplasty: The procedure involves application of controlled amount of heat directly to the affected disc region. The procedure is generally performed after discectomy through an endoscope, using a transforaminal approach.
• Percutaneous endoscopic laser annuloplasty: This procedure uses a minimally invasive technique involving Laser-Assisted Spinal Endoscopy to directly condense and thicken the inflamed granulation tissue linked to annulus tears.

Indications of endoscopic annuloplasty

Endoscopic annuloplasty may be indicated in the following conditions:

• Discogenic lower back pain
• Annulus tears
• Disc herniation
• Inflamed disc granulation tissue
• Disc derangement due to annular tears
• Radiculopathy
• Predominant leg and radicular pain due to disc herniation
• Percutaneous intradiscal compression
• Abnormal disc tissues, new vessels are nerves in the central torn posterior annulus

Recovery

Discectomy followed by endoscopic annuloplasty generally shows notable results in reduction of leg pain, back pain and disability within few days to months after the surgery. Your doctor will monitor you for any posteroperative complications and you may be discharged to go home within 24 hours if none have occurred. You will be provided with instructions on walking, physical therapy and follow-up appointments to assess your recovery process. 

Advantages of thermal and laser-assisted endoscopic annuloplasty

• Smaller size incisions
• Easy access and visualization due to small diameter of endoscope
• Minimal damage to normal nuclear tissue
• Reduced risk of serious complications
• 90% success rate with favorable outcomes for selected groups of discogenic lower back pain patients
• Preservation of back muscles