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Laser Facet Ablation (Laser Spine Surgery)

Similar to the radio frequency nerve ablation, the laser facet (and nerve) ablation uses the very high heat and energy of a laser to ablate the nerve endings and the adjacent affected soft tissue.

I had my surgery and literally walked out of the hospital the next day. I owe my life to Dr. Biscup for giving me back mine. I now do everything including mowing the grass, riding my motorcycle, working out in the gym, whatever I choose to do I can now do with ease. Bill Dearmanread full story

There are many lasers used for medical applications today and the one used to for this purpose is the holmium yag laser. This laser is preferred because the laser beam is delivered through a very thin fiber optic cable and does not have a high degree of tissue penetration at low power making it very safe. In other words, it primarily works where you point it and does not go deep into the tissue around the work site that could potentially damage uninvolved surrounding structures.

The holmium laser is also very good at shrinking or vaporizing soft tissue or cartilage that has a high degree of water content such as joint capsules, articular cartilage, ligaments, cysts, scar tissue, certain tumors, and the intervertebral disc. This laser will not cut or remove bone safely. The high power required will cause a flash fire that is extremely dangerous.

The laser facet ablation must be done using television x-ray and/or direct visualization to be sure of proper site and location. It is important to know that the laser is a tool that allows the surgeon to perform delicate surgery in a small space. Like any tool, there are things it can and cannot safely do. The level of the surgeon’s skill and experience should determine when it is best used for the expected results. Patients should not be given, or have, unrealistic expectations just because it’s a laser.

Laser Facet Ablation can treat the following conditions:

Sprains and Strains
Facet Arthritis
Spinal Stenosis