Endoscopic Cervical Decompression
Ultra-minimally invasive cervical spine procedure using pencil-thin telescope technology
What is Endoscopic Cervical Decompression?
Endoscopic cervical decompression is an ultra-minimally invasive procedure that uses a pencil-thin telescope to decompress nerves in the cervical spine through tiny incisions.
When It's Used
- Cervical radiculopathy (arm pain from nerve compression)
- Cervical disc herniation
- Foraminal stenosis
- Lateral recess stenosis
- Selected cases of cervical myelopathy
The Procedure
- Pencil-thin endoscope (7-8mm diameter)
- Tiny incision (less than 1 inch)
- Direct visualization of nerve compression
- Precise removal of disc material or bone spurs
- Minimal tissue disruption
- Procedure time: 30-90 minutes
Advantages
Minimal Invasiveness
- Smallest possible incision
- No muscle cutting
- Minimal tissue trauma
Faster Recovery
- Same-day discharge
- Rapid return to activities
- Less post-operative pain
Motion Preservation
- No fusion required
- Full neck motion maintained
- No adjacent level stress
Precision
- Direct visualization
- Targeted decompression
- Minimal bone removal
Success Rate
- 85-95% arm pain relief
- 90% patient satisfaction
- Low recurrence rate
- Excellent long-term outcomes
Recovery Timeline
- Surgery day: Same-day discharge (2-4 hours)
- Day 1-3: Light activities, minimal restrictions
- Week 1: Return to desk work possible
- Week 2-3: Most normal activities
- Week 4-6: Full unrestricted activity
Hospital Stay
Outpatient procedure - same-day discharge
Ideal Candidates
- Single-level cervical disc herniation
- Foraminal stenosis
- Failed conservative treatment
- Good general health
- Motivated for early mobilization
Risks (Very Rare)
- Nerve injury (<0.5%)
- Infection (<0.5%)
- Bleeding (<0.5%)
- Incomplete decompression (2-5%)
- Recurrent herniation (5-10%)
Why Choose Endoscopic Approach?
- Fastest recovery of all cervical procedures
- No fusion means no motion loss
- Minimal scarring
- Lower complication rates
- Cost-effective due to outpatient nature
Questions About Endoscopic Cervical Decompression?
Dr. Greenberg is an expert in endoscopic spine procedures with exceptional outcomes.