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Ultrasonic spinal surgery utilizes a novel and innovative ultrasonic device. This device uses ultrasound waves at a specific frequency range to perform cuts into dense tissues, such as bone. Since soft tissue structures, such as the dura and ligamentum flavum, are of a different density, these structures can move away and bend from the device’s blades; therefore, sparing these soft tissue structures. This tool allows surgeons to perform precise bone cuts with tissue selectivity, allowing this device to perform bone cuts with greater accuracy and safety.
Ultrasonic spine surgery boasts many benefits for patients affected by degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and some conditions requiring a spinal fusion. These benefits include, but are not limited to:
Ultrasonic spine surgery uses an oscillating, linear blade {or shaver tip} that moves at a high frequency of approximately 22,500 times per second. That’s over 1,000,000 times a minute! This high frequency movement allows the blade to effectively remove hard tissue {i.e. bone spurs} without disrupting soft tissues nearby {i.e. muscles or nerves}.
Because bone is more rigid and less elastic, the ultrasonic blade’s energy is quickly absorbed by the bone when the tip touches it. This means the blade does not bend or deform at the point of contact, but easily cuts through the bone. Alternatively, soft tissue is less rigid and does not absorb the energy transferred from the blade. That means the blade is able to safely work around the soft tissues without causing damage or injury.
Reviewed by: Dr. Colin Haines, MD.
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