Dr. Philip Henkin Discusses MIS for a Fractured Disc
Minimally invasive surgery is beloved by patients and doctors alike for several reasons. Not only does the patient recover faster, because there are fewer major incisions, but the results may be better than traditional surgery.
Dr. Philip Henkin originally earned his degree in Engineering from MIT, but he eventually went back to school for his MD at Ohio State University before completing his surgical residency at Duke University Medical Center. He discussed how minimally invasive surgery (MIS) can be used for a fractured disc and how doctors decide when to use which technique.
Fractured Discs and Surgery
The answer to the question of fracture discs and MIS is like many in the medical field — it ultimately depends on the patient. Your body mass index, family history, and personal risk factors may make you a poor candidate for the surgery. However, if it is possible to get it, it’s likely the best option.
With Minimally-Invasive Surgery, the idea is to mitigate the trauma to all parts of the body using special instruments. These tools will gently push tissue aside, so the surgeon can still access the right part of the body. Surgeons may also use surgical robots or microscopic imaging to assess the disc. Dr. Philip Henkin is certified to use the Mazor X Robotic System and Computer Image Guidance Technologies. He’s comfortable working with advanced solutions to ensure his patients have the best possible outcomes.
Shock Absorbers
Discs are there to protect the bones of the spine from shock, but they are not immune to harm. When the disc is damaged, whether it’s due to a rupture or bulge, the gel inside the disc can affect the nearby tissue.
This gel may be soft, but it can pressure the spinal cord or the back nerves. If you have a fractured disc, you may feel numbness or pain around the damaged area. In some cases, the effects can extend up to the neck or down to the thighs. The most likely reason for a ruptured disc is either osteoporosis or trauma.
Dr. Henkin says that if you think you have a fractured disc due to exercise, it’s more likely that you have a herniated disc. These are more commonly called slipped discs, and they don’t usually require surgery to fix.
Dr. Philip Henkin on Minimally Invasive Surgery
Dr. Henkin has practiced MIS for spines for more than two decades. Long before the technique became the gold standard in his industry, he recognized the benefits for his patients. With this option, patients are less likely to get an infection. There’s less blood loss and lower odds of infection. If possible, Dr. Henkin does everything he can to lower the risks for his patients so that they can get back to their regularly scheduled lives.
