Endoscopic Spinal Surgery

We have pioneered endoscopic surgical approaches to disorders of the spine, achieving excellent results in selected patients. These minimally invasive techniques reduce post-operative pain, shorten hospital stays, speed the recovery process, reduce the disability related to shoulder girdle dysfunction that occurs with open thoracotomy procedures, and facilitate early return to work.
The success of these methods has prompted invitations to teach these techniques to spinal surgeons around the country.
Thoracic Spine
Thoracoscopic spinal surgery is appropriate for patients with:

• Thoracic disc herniation
• Thoracic infections (discitis, osteomyelitis)
• Thoracic tumors (primary & metastatic)
• Thoracic fractures
• Thoracic sympathectomy (hyperhydrosis, reflex sympathetic dystrophy)

Lumbar Spine - Laparoscopic Surgery
The primary endoscopic surgical techniques are:

• Lumbar discectomy and interbody fusion (bone/cages)
• Lumbar spinal biopsy
• Lumbar discitis (culture/curettage)

Micro-Endoscopic Discectomy (MED)

• Percutaneous posterior lumbar discectomy with video endoscopy

Telemedicine
The faculty of The Mount Sinai Clinical Center for Spinal Disorders is available for consultation by other physicians through a telemedicine capability that allows remote review of X-rays.