Spinal Endoscopic Neurectomy
What Is an Endoscopic Neurectomy for Back Pain?
An endoscopic neurectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that strategically cuts the medial branch nerves (small nerves on your facet joints). We offer endoscopic neurectomies for low back pain. Another name for neurectomy is nerve resection.
You have small, knuckle-sized joints called facet joints along your spine. Facet joints give your spine stability and flexibility. You can get back pain from an injury, arthritis, or swelling in your facet joints.
Candidate Criteria for Endoscopic Neurectomy
The best candidates for a neurectomy are people who have back pain due to facet joint problems. Endoscopic neurectomy may be an option for people with low back pain that hasn’t improved with the following nonsurgical treatments:
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Medications
What to Expect Before an Endoscopic Neurectomy for Back Pain
Before a neurectomy, your spine specialist discusses your health history and symptoms with you. They may order an X-ray, MRI, or other imaging to look at your spine.
You may also get a diagnostic injection. Your spine specialist uses X-ray guidance to inject a small amount of numbing medicine near the medial branch nerve suspected of causing pain. They know your facet joints are the problem if your pain goes away for a period after the injection.
A diagnostic injection is an important step before an endoscopic neurectomy. It helps us know whether the procedure will relieve your pain effectively.
What to Expect During an Endoscopic Neurectomy
You get general anesthesia to remain asleep and comfortable during an endoscopic neurectomy. Your spine physician follows several steps to perform the procedure:
- Uses X-ray guidance to view your spine and focus on the problem area
- Makes one or more 8-millimeter incisions at the affected area
- Inserts a thin instrument with a light and camera (endoscope) through the incision
- Gently removes some soft tissue to access your medial branch nerve
- Snips the medial branch nerve
- Burns the end of the snipped nerve so it doesn’t regrow
- Removes the endoscope and closes each incision with one absorbable stitch
We inject the area with numbing medicine at the end of the procedure. This helps you stay more comfortable when you wake up.
The procedure usually lasts around 45–90 minutes. You’ll get to recover at home the same day.
Endoscopic Neurectomy Recovery
Endoscopic neurectomy is extremely effective for the right patients. Research shows that the vast majority of people still have significantly less low back pain two years after an endoscopic neurectomy. In one , people reported only a 2.5 out of 10 on the pain scale.
Why Choose Ã÷Éý²©²Ê?
At U of U Health, we perform many minimally invasive spine surgeries every year and are a recognized leader in endoscopic spine surgery and percutaneous spine surgery. U of U Health is the only academic medical center in the Mountain West offering endoscopic neurectomy. We consistently provide high-quality care, satisfactory results, and the best patient experience for each person we treat.
The Endoscopic Spine and Percutaneous Spine Program provides a minimally invasive approach to treating spinal conditions. These techniques greatly benefit our patients:
- Better outcomes
- Lower risks
- Less pain
- Faster recovery
We teach and train other physicians, fellows, residents, and medical students in spine care. You’ll receive treatment from physicians who are also active researchers. We continually study best practices and tailor our approaches based on the latest research.
Find an Endoscopic Spine Specialist
Schedule a Spine Evaluation
Our spine specialists at U of U Health will help you determine if surgery is an appropriate treatment for your back issues. At your first evaluation, our specialists will ask you about your medical history and determine whether minimally invasive spine surgery is the best treatment to correct your back pain.
You will need a referral from your primary care provider or another specialist to make an appointment. Call 801-587-7109 to schedule your evaluation or fill out our endoscopic spine evaluation form.
Contact the Destination Care Program
The Endoscopic & Percutaneous Spine Program is part of U of U Health's Destination Care Program. This program offers seamless and coordinated care for your traveling patients by providing one point of contact for system navigation and additional resources. Feel free to contact us:
Email: DestinationCare@hsc.utah.edu
Phone: 801-587-6365
Traveling to Utah?
Let us help you navigate your visit.
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Hear From Our Specialists
What to Expect After Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Recent biomedical advancements now allow for certain spinal surgeries to be performed via a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. For patients undergoing endoscopic spine surgery, Dr. Mark Mahan explains what to expect during your recovery—including recovery times of only a week or two.
Is Endoscopic Spine Surgery Right For You?
If you or a loved one are experiencing issues like spinal stenosis or an impacted disc, you may be considering spinal surgery. This may seem like a complicated operation with a very long recovery time, but recent advancements may make an outpatient endoscopic procedure an option for you. Dr. Mark Mahan explains how the procedure is different and whether or not you are a candidate.