Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dr. Papadopoulos performs the following minimally invasive techniques:

Discectomy or Microdiscectomy

The classic microdiscectomy is performed using tubular retractors with a diameter of 12mm to 20mm. The muscle trauma is minimal—comparable to that caused by an arthroscope. However, unlike arthroscopy, the disc is directly visualized with the help of a microscope, ensuring that the safety of the microdiscectomy is equivalent to that of a conventional microdiscectomy, which requires an incision of about 2 to 3 cm.

Percutaneous Spinal Fusion

In percutaneous spinal fusion, pedicle screws are placed into the vertebrae after guiding needles are inserted into the correct positions using fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging). This allows for a spinal fusion to be performed with small incisions directly over the vertebrae involved. Additionally, an intervertebral implant can be inserted, creating a 360° fusion.

Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

With the aid of fluoroscopic imaging, a needle is first inserted into the affected vertebra. It is then replaced with a cannula, through which bone cement is injected, stabilizing the vertebral fracture. This technique is used for fractures caused by osteoporosis, metastases, or hematologic and solid tumors.