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Dr. Barba explains if spinal stenosis can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery.
Dr. Barba:
Minimally invasive spine surgery for spinal stenosis involves a decompression of the nerves from behind. This can be carried out using special instruments through a small incision, approximately an inch in length, and allows us to find the area over the nerves, use a special drill on a microscope to observe these areas while we are doing surgery to take the bone off and to take the pressure off the nerves relieving spinal compression.
This can be added with different sorts of fusion procedures which can be done again through small incisions and allow us to stabilize the spine and take care of the pressure that’s causing the pain in your back and in your legs.
The recovery time from spinal decompression through a minimally invasive approach is about, again, two to three days in the hospital and two or three weeks following the surgery you’re up on your own. Usually six weeks you are up back to regular activity.
About Dr. Barba, M.D.:
Certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, Dr. David Barba is a member of numerous professional societies including the San Diego Academy of Neurological Surgeons, the Western Neurological Society, and the Research Society of Neurological Surgeons. He is currently serving as associate professor in the Division of Neurological Surgery in the Department of Surgery at UCSD.