Ultrasonic Spinal Surgery

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.

Conditions That Benefit From Ultrasonic Spine Surgery

Benefits of Ultrasonic Spinal Surgery

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:

  • Better accuracy in bone cutting
  • Less cutting of soft tissues
  • Decrease in vibration of the tool while cutting (safer when working around spinal cord and nerves)

Endoscopic Spine Surgery FAQs

What is Ultrasonic Spinal Surgery?

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}.

How Does Ultrasonic Spinal Surgery Work?

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.

Meet Our Spinal Surgeons

Dr. Thomas Schuler I Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgeon
Founder

Dr. Christopher Good I Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgeon
Chief Executive Officer
President

Dr. Colin Haines I Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgeon
Director of Research

Dr. Ehsan Jazini I Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgeon

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today


Reviewed by: Dr. Colin Haines, MD.