Cutting-Edge Techniques: Ultra-Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

At Mount Sinai Medical Center, our physicians are focused on incorporating new techniques into their treatment plans to further elevate our standard of care.

Anirudh Penumaka, MD, MSc, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, recently performed our medical center’s first ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery this past December.

To perform this procedure, Dr. Penumaka utilized advanced Arthrex spine technology; this technique precisely decompresses nerves through ultra-small incisions. Arthrex’s equipment consists of a specially designed endoscope, which allows surgeons to view and reach small, specific areas of the spine without significant intrusion. The procedure creates minimal disruption; patients’ muscles are disturbed and damaged less, allowing for increased comfort and decreased recovery times.

Because of the minimally invasive nature of the surgery, procedures utilizing Arthrex’s technology and technique can be performed in an outpatient setting, potentially allowing our patients to go home the same day, returning to a recovered, typical lifestyle more quickly. On average, patients who receive this procedure are able to return to work in under two weeks, and approximately 88% of patients returned to athletics.

These numbers show a significant benefit for our patients exploring spine procedure options. For Dr. Penumaka’s patient in December, receiving this procedure meant immediate, significant relief from severe radiating leg pain following surgery.

At Mount Sinai, our clinical expertise, dedication to positive outcomes, and emphasis on patient experience drives our focus on innovation. Our physicians, like Dr. Penumaka, are looking forward, exploring the depth of their specialties, and driving the future of health care in our community.

To learn more about Neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, click here.