Minimally invasive surgery using a laser is not effective for all patients with back pain, according to Cleveland Clinic. Michael Steinmetz, MD, co-director of Cleveland Clinics' Center for Spine Health, discussed appropriate cases for laser spine surgery.
Here are five insights:
1. Dr. Steinmetz uses a laser when removing spinal cord tumors, removing bone or soft tissue surrounding a nerve or shrinking disc material around a nerve.
2. He often does not use a laser when treating patients with degenerative spine disease.
3. About 30 percent of surgeries fall into the minimally invasive category, Dr. Steinmetz said, and only some of those surgeries will involve lasers.
4. Laser spine surgery may prove unsuccessful if surgeons are not well-practiced.
5. He asserted more complex back problems will probably demand traditional surgery.