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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Long Island

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Spine Surgery Doesn't Have To Be So Invasive to Work

Dr. Brian McHugh is an exceptionally talented board-certified neurological surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery on Long Island. He administers a wide range of tests to diagnose the root cause of your spinal problems, following which he curates a personalized minimally invasive treatment plan that involves small incisions, a negligible risk of complications, and a quick recovery process. He aims to help you regain optimal spinal mobility with minimal downtime.

Unlike traditional, open spine surgeries, minimally invasive spine surgeries don’t involve cutting the muscles to access the spine. They involve using specialized tools and techniques to separate the muscles rather than cutting them. In some cases, the surgeon may also avoid the muscles by using the body’s natural tissue planes. Minimally invasive spine surgeries allow patients to resume their work and daily activities a lot faster than traditional surgeries.

Even though minimally invasive spine surgeries are a lot faster and less invasive than traditional surgeries, they’re still recommended as a last-resort treatment. Dr. McHugh treats most instances of neck and back pain with medications, physical therapy, or epidural injections. He only resorts to minimally invasive spine surgery or robotic spine surgery if all non-invasive treatments fail and your spinal condition continues worsening at a rapid pace.

happy patients after minimally invasive spine surgery long island

What are the goals of minimally invasive spine surgery?

  • All spinal surgeries, whether minimally invasive or traditional, have the same goals — decompression and stabilization.
  • Decompression: First, the tissues leading to nerve compression, such as bone spurs, must be removed, taking pressure off the nerve roots and spinal canal.
  • Stabilization: Next, surgical techniques and instruments are used to stabilize the spine and restore normal functioning. This can be done through disc implants, bone grafts, etc.

What does minimally invasive spine surgery treat?

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Disc herniation
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spinal tumors
  • Vertebral compression fractures
  • Spinal infections
  • Degenerative scoliosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal instability or deformity
  • Other degenerative conditions

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Am I a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?

Dr. Brian McHugh performs a thorough physical examination, reviews your medical history, and runs advanced imaging tests, including x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to visualize the spine’s internal structures. Based on the diagnosis, he curates a non-invasive treatment plan, usually consisting of medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy to treat the root cause of your spinal problems.

You are only considered a suitable candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery on Long Island if all non-invasive treatments fail, and your problems continue worsening. The necessity and immediacy of the minimally invasive spine surgery may also depend on your symptoms. For example, patients experiencing loss of mobility, numbness, and loss of bladder/ bowel control may need immediate spine surgery.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery over traditional spine surgery?

  • Radiation exposure is reduced by 50 to 70% due to a limited need for intra-op x-rays.
  • The surgeon can work with a 3D robotic image rather than a flat x-ray.
  • Robotic guidance eliminates the possibility of human error.
  • The procedures conclude within an hour.
  • The incisions are a lot smaller than those of traditional surgeries.
  • Minimal scarring or incision marks.
  • Minimal loss of blood.
  • Enhanced accuracy also results in minimal soft tissue damage.
  • The muscles are separated rather than cut.
  • Minimal hospital stays — in most cases, the patient returns home the same day.
  • Minimal postoperative pain and discomfort.
  • Approximately 27% less recovery time than traditional surgeries.
  • Nearly perfect implant placement accuracy.
  • Minimal risk of nerve damage.

Why choose Dr. Brian McHugh?

The robotics and specialized tools used in minimally invasive surgeries simplify the treatment and promise better results, but they don’t perform the surgery automatically. It’s the surgeon’s responsibility to ply his skills and leverage cutting-edge tools to treat your spinal problems with the greatest accuracy. Minimally invasive spine surgeries should only be performed by board-certified neurological surgeons with specialized training in advanced surgical techniques.

Dr. Brian McHugh is an exceptional board-certified surgeon with a demonstrable track record, having completed his minimally invasive spine surgery training in the most reputable institutions, including the Hospital for Special Surgery and Yale University. Dr. McHugh has established himself as a leader in the field of spinal surgeries, ensuring optimal results with minimal downtime.

Schedule your consultation today for minimally invasive spine surgery on Long Island with Dr. Brian McHugh.

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631-780-4470

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