Endoscopic
Lumbar Fusion
Lumbar fusion performed through a camera-guided approach — the smallest incision pathway to achieving spinal stabilisation.
Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion
The most advanced minimally invasive approach to spinal fusion — for appropriate candidates where less tissue damage is a priority.
Endoscopic approach. Maximum tissue preservation. Fusion timeline is the same as any fusion — three to six months. Fewer candidates qualify compared to open or MIS techniques.
What Is It?
Endoscopic lumbar fusion uses camera-guided access to place an interbody cage and bone graft in the disc space, followed by percutaneous screw fixation — achieving spinal fusion with the smallest possible tissue footprint. The most technically demanding and selective fusion approach available.
Before Surgery
Detailed MRI, CT, and standing X-rays reviewed for pre-operative navigation planning. Patient selection is more stringent than for MIS or open fusion — anatomy and pathology must be well-suited. Smoking cessation essential.
During Surgery
General anaesthesia. Endoscopic access to the disc space under live camera visualisation. Disc material removed, endplate prepared, interbody cage packed with bone graft placed. Percutaneous pedicle screws then placed under navigation guidance. Two to three hours.
After Surgery
Hospital stay: two to three days. Significantly less post-operative muscle pain than open or standard MIS approaches. Walking day one. Brace may be worn for six to eight weeks.
Recovery
Desk work: four to six weeks. Fusion consolidation: three to six months. Return to physical activity: three to four months. Imaging at three and six months confirms fusion progress.
Dr. Viswanath's Approach
Offered only for well-selected candidates. Not a routine first-choice technique — MIS fusion is more widely applicable. The endoscopic approach is used where it provides a meaningful advantage and the anatomy supports it. Navigation-guided screw placement is used throughout.
Questions about
endoscopic lumbar fusion?
A consultation will determine whether this approach is appropriate for your anatomy and pathology.