Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to treat painful spinal conditions through a small incision, often smaller than a dime. Using a specialized camera and precision instruments, the surgeon can directly visualize and treat the problem without the extensive muscle disruption of traditional open surgery.

“Endoscopic spine surgery allows us to address the root cause of pain through a small incision using a high-definition camera that magnifies the area far beyond what we can see with the naked eye,” states Dr. Dean Perfetti, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at Somers Orthopaedics.

This approach is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home the same day and can begin movement within hours.

What Conditions Does Endoscopic Spine Surgery Treat?

Endoscopic techniques can treat a wide range of spinal disorders, including:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Facet joint syndrome
• Foraminal stenosis
• Bone spurs
• Spondylolisthesis
• Failed back surgery syndrome

For many patients, endoscopic surgery may be a good option if conservative treatments like therapy, injections, or medication no longer work.

“For patients who have tried non-surgical options without success, endoscopic surgery can be the bridge between conservative care and traditional open surgery,” explains Dr. Perfetti.

Benefits of Endoscopic Spine Surgery

This technique focuses precisely on the problem area while leaving the surrounding muscles and tissues largely untouched.

Patients may experience:

• Smaller incisions and less post-operative pain
• Minimal blood loss
• Lower risk of infection
• Quicker recovery and return to normal activity
• Shorter hospital stay

Because the procedure targets only the affected area, it helps preserve natural anatomy which may offer a smoother recovery.

Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery time varies by condition, but most patients can return to light activities within days and resume normal routines in 2 weeks.

Your surgeon and the team at Somers Orthopaedics will create a personalized recovery plan to help you begin moving safely and progress at a comfortable pace.

Who Is a Candidate for Endoscopic Spine Surgery?

Endoscopic surgery may be ideal for patients who:

• Have localized disc herniations or nerve compression
• Have not improved with physical therapy or injections
• Wish to avoid a large incision or lengthy hospital stay

Endoscopic spine surgery can help many people, but not all spine problems are a good fit. In cases such as severe curvature or instability, another type of procedure may be safer. Dr. Perfetti, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, performs detailed imaging and consultations to determine the best treatment for each individual.

Want to learn more about endoscopic techniques?

• ScienceDirect article authored by Dr. Dean Perfetti
• Beckers Spine article authored by Dr. Dean Perfetti

 

 

 

 

conditions with advanced, minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopic spine surgery and disc replacement.

He completed his spine surgery fellowship at the Texas Back Institute, a national leader in Total Disc Replacement. His approach emphasizes precision, motion preservation, and patient comfort using the latest surgical innovations.

Dr. Perfetti provides advanced spine care for patients in Newburgh, proudly serving nearby communities such as Beacon, Wappingers Falls, Hopewell Junction, Cornwall, and the greater Hudson Valley area.