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Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Minimally Invasive, Maximum Results

Approximately 80% of adults will deal with back pain at some point in their lives. The spine is a highly complex part of the body, with innumerable moving parts all dependent on one another. It’s also essential for movement and stability! If you experience spinal injury or a spine condition, you know how disruptive it is to your daily life. Symptoms of spinal issues include pain, numbness, weakness, muscle stiffness, and other issues.

For patients whose care includes a surgical procedure, endoscopic spine surgery is a revolutionary advancement in spinal treatment. While traditional spine procedures can include major tissue trauma and subsequent lengthy recovery, endoscopic surgery is the ultimate in minimally invasive techniques with nearly invisible incisions and minimal damage to surrounding normal tissues. As a result, there is less pain and a much faster return to work and everyday activities. 

How Endoscopic Spine Surgery Works

During the procedure, surgeons insert a thin endoscope through a small incision, typically about a centimeter in length. The attached high-definition camera transmits real-time, ultra-magnified images of the spine’s internal structures to a monitor, providing surgeons with an exceptional view of the surgical site. This allows for precise treatment of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and other conditions without any disruption of the unaffected surrounding tissue.

Endoscopic spine surgery can be performed using different approaches and can be used to treat conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. The specific approach used will depend on the location and nature of the spinal problem. Transforaminal approaches involve accessing the spine through the natural opening on the side of the spine where nerve roots exit the spinal column, while interlaminar endoscopy approaches allow access to nerves through a natural opening at the back of the spine.  Surgeons trained in endoscopic techniques are highly skilled at both. 

The benefits of endoscopic spine surgery include… 

  • Less tissue damage
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Minimal scarring
  • Faster recovery times
  • Less blood loss
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Potential outpatient procedure options
  • Potential for local anesthesia with conscious sedation

Conditions Treated

Endoscopic spine surgery effectively addresses numerous spinal disorders, including herniated or bulging discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, facet joint problems, and certain types of spinal tumors. It’s particularly beneficial for patients experiencing persistent back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, consult an experienced endoscopic surgeon who will be able to discuss the best treatment options for your specific condition.

Recovery and Outcomes

Recovery from endoscopic spine surgery is generally swift and relatively comfortable. Patients often notice immediate relief from their pre-surgical symptoms, though complete healing of compressed nerves may take several weeks. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and mobility, but the rehabilitation process is typically shorter and less intensive than with traditional surgery.

Success rates for endoscopic spine procedures are comparable to or better than those of traditional minimally-invasive surgery, with studies showing excellent outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement. The preservation of spinal anatomy and reduced trauma to surrounding tissues contribute to better long-term results and lower rates of issues at adjacent areas of the spine.

Learn More

Neurosurgical Physician Assistant Opening

Atlantic Brain and Spine is seeking a Physician Assistant (or SFA-NP) motivated to learn new skills and take on the challenge of continuing to reinforce and build a solid practice platform with our experienced neurosurgeons. Our growing practice employs 6 neurosurgeons, 11 Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners. 

What sets our practice apart? The makeup of our surgical group includes the only endovascular neurosurgeon in our region, a world leader in lateral access exposures, and one of the top robotic lateral spine surgeons in the country also assisting with robotic improvement projects. Our surgeons have ongoing exposure to new ideas, equipment and technique advancements, and embrace the challenge to be on the cutting edge of neurosurgical technology. 

Who is a good fit? This job is fast paced and requires a candidate willing to take on the challenge of learning the specifics of Endovascular Neurosurgery both on and off the job during their introductory period. Call requires 48- or 72-hour rotation (M/T; W/R; F/S/S), with additional compensation per day. Candidates should be invested in patient satisfaction and providing a good customer service model. New graduates welcome to apply. The ideal candidate will work to maintain constant communication with their attending, being an integral piece in executing the patient’s plan of care. 

Work Schedule: Full-time. M-F and 1 weekend every 6 weeks /1:6 Call ratio

Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program
  • Current Board Certification
  • Current North Carolina License Preferred
  • Critical Care training/experience
  • Desired knowledge/experience Neurosurgery/Neurology/Orthopedic Spine Surgery
  • Current prescribing privileges including a DEA license for controlled substances
  • Competent in viewing MRI, CT, radiology films used during the medical decision-making process

Practice Requirements:

  • Hospital arrival by 6:45 am M-F plus call days
  • Surgery Schedule 2-3 days per week
  • Clinic days 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, 2-3 days per week; close early on Fridays. 
  • Primary Call: Responsible for taking first call, patient consults, and acting as surgical first assist. Must be within a 30-minute travel radius when on call to NHRMC

Benefits:

  • Health Insurance 
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) 
  • Voluntary benefits 
  • CME allowance
  • Dues & Memberships 
  • PTO

Full Time Front Desk

Role and Responsibilities

The medical office assistant will have a minimum of one-year experience and be an integral part of the patient care team. This is a full-time position, and will handle the use of confidential information. This position will cross cover between check-in and check-out. Primary duties are as follows:

  • Greet patients and visitors, in person or on the telephone
  • Registration of patient accounts
  • Process outgoing referrals
  • Scheduling of patient appointments
  • Payment collections and postings
  • Optimizes patient’s satisfaction, provider time and treatment room utilization by scheduling appointments
  • Notifying providers and clinical staff of patient’s arrival
  • Scanning medical records in the EMR, including but not limited to paper documents and CD images
  • Protects patient’s rights by maintaining confidentiality of personal and financial information
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the reception area
  • Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

High School Degree or GED required; and one year of customer service experience. Excellent customer service skills, strong written and verbal communication skills required.

Preferred Skills

One-year of medical front office experience a plus. Associates degree preferred.

Salary: $14.00 – $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

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