Dr. Glenn L. Keiper Discusses Neurosurgery Advancement For Spinal Conditions

The spine provides the body with the structure and support it needs to function. Without a healthy spine, standing, moving, and bending can be impossible. Over the past two decades, spinal surgeries have drastically changed with the advent of new technology. Dr. Glenn L. Keiper Jr MD, has specialized in new techniques to help spine surgeries become safer. These techniques are effective and essential for many patients.

What Is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery focuses on the nervous system. While many people assume this medical specialty is specific to the brain, this is actually false. The neurosurgery specialty treats brain disorders, peripheral nerves, and the spinal cord.

Spine surgeries are extremely beneficial for a variety of patients. While back pain can occur from heavy lifting or poor posture, sometimes pain from the spine is an indication of something more severe. Conditions such as spinal stenosis, scoliosis, or chronic back pain can be dramatically improved with surgery.

Traditional Spinal Surgery

Traditional spine surgery has involved using large incisions to be able to view the patient. This method allows for the surgeon to physically see the process; however complications can easily arise. With open surgery options, more of the patient is exposed and the risk of blood loss increases. Muscles and soft tissue can become damaged during this process and it usually takes longer for the patient to recover. In addition to safety concerns, open surgery is performed in a hospital setting and may require more time in an inpatient facility than other spine surgery options.

Dr. Glenn Keiper performs two advanced techniques called motion segment preservation and artificial disc placement. With these procedures, many patients may not need to receive spinal fusion of the lumbar region. With additions to the neurosurgery field, Dr. Glenn Keiper can help patients recover faster from simpler surgeries.

New Technology For Spinal Surgery

Spinal surgery has vastly changed over the past ten years. Many new developments have been created to improve the safety and efficacy of spinal surgery. In addition to Dr. Keiper’s use of minimally invasive spine surgery, technology involving robots now exists.

Robotics

Robotics is an exciting new addition to the advancement of surgery. By using robotics to assist in the placement of pedicle screws, precision is much easier. The use of robotics also helps during the minimally invasive surgery by guiding the endoscope into place. Using a tiny camera to see inside the body rather than making large incisions can help prevent possible infections from occurring.

AI-Assisted

Computer-assisted-image-guidance is a new technology used to navigate the spine. Instead of using X-rays, physicians like Dr. Keiper, can use powerful technology to accurately place surgical tools. This can be particularly beneficial to eliminate pressure on the nerves.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery is used in surgical specialties provided by KeiperSpine. Procedures such as lumbar decompression and spinal fusion can be used with this method. By removing a herniated disc, nerve pressure can be relieved through the use of this procedure. Long-term pain caused by certain spine conditions can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery to prevent a risk of infection.

This new technological advancement is performed by using a specific set of surgical tools. A tubular retractor is inserted through the soft tissues to the precise area in the spinal column that is causing pain. By holding the muscles open, this procedure can be conducted without using large incisions.

Navigating Assistance

Navigation systems are used to allow surgeons to perform a safer spinal operation. By using image-guided navigation, a physician can clearly see what’s happening inside the body. A fluoroscopy is able to guide a surgeon throughout the surgery with real-time x-ray images of the spine. This is then showcased on a screen that can be easily accessed for visual accessibility.

Fusion Devices

Interbody fusion devices are another advancement that allows for the optimization of structural properties to make surgery easier. When new techniques are used to make surgery safer, the recovery time can be minimized. Depending on the type of imaging, different technology advancements can benefit a variety of patients.

Once a minimally invasive spine surgery is done, the tubular retractor is removed from the body. KeiperSpine provides many technological advancements while treating the spine. By using minimally invasive spine surgery, visual imaging techniques as well as an endoscope can help guide a physician for optimal precision.

Are Advanced Techniques Painful?

There are several kinds of advanced techniques that can be performed throughout different spine surgeries. Many advanced techniques and new technologies were invented to minimize pain for the patient.

Spine surgery that requires only small incisions will greatly decrease pain after surgery. In a minimally invasive spine surgery, the incisions are approximately a half-inch long. This can allow for a faster recovery time than that of an open surgery.

Many technological advancements are made to minimize the risk of infection. If an infection occurs during surgery, this can cause future complications. To avoid pain from infections or muscle damage, these new techniques are ideal.

Neurosurgery has made significant progress in the past several years. Due to image screening, placement precision, and robotics, surgery in multiple fields has changed. Spinal conditions can now be treated in a much safer and faster way.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes