Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Dr. Hayward offers a wide variety of conservative and minimally invasive treatment options for lumbar problems, including disc herniations and degenerative disc disease. For example, he performs minimally invasive surgery for spinal stenosis, minimally invasive lumbar fusions and both endoscopic and laser spine surgery.

Any condition that causes pain in the lumbar spine for more than a few days should be treated as soon as possible.

Endoscopic & Laser Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive spine surgery technique that utilizes an endoscope to treat herniated, protruded, extruded, or degenerative discs that are a contributing factor to leg and back pain. The endoscope allows the surgeon to use a “keyhole” incision to access the herniated disc. Muscle and tissue are dilated rather than being cut when accessing the disc. This leads to less tissue destruction, less postoperative pain, quicker recovery times, and earlier rehabilitation. The excellent visualization via the endoscope permits the surgeon to selectively remove a portion of the herniated nucleus pulposus that is contributing to the patients’ leg and back pain.

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

Ever since laser spine surgery has been advertised nationwide by one large organization the words fusion have become a four letter word. However the truth is spinal fusion is still necessary. Traditionally spine surgeons would make a large open incision to visualize what they are doing. Now with technology and great skill, Dr. Hayward is able to perform spinal fusion through smaller incisions. Spinal fusion is the process of stabilizing the spine and allowing the spine to fuse or grow bone in the disc space therefore stabilizing the spine. Not all minimally invasive spine surgery is equal. Dr. Hayward has spent a lot of time training across the country to learn and provide patients the smallest incision possible.

When is spinal fusion necessary?

• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where abnormal movement of your vertrabrae cause pain
• Iatrogenic Instability: A condition where instability or abnormal movement may be caused when it is surgically necessary to remove bone that is causing stenosis or narrowing of the path where your nerves lie.
• Discogenic Pain: Pain that is originating from disc material.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of areas in the spine where nerve roots and the spinal cord must travel.

For more information about advanced treatments or an appointment, call Heartland Spine Institute at 877.331.5763. For your convenience, you can use our online Appointment Request form.