Certain spinal maladies like scoliosis (curvature of the spine), kyphosis (a humpback deformity) and degenerative disk disease, which is the result of normal wear and tear on a spinal disk, may require surgery. However, both the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic advise trying other less intrusive therapies, like massage, physical therapy and anti-inflammation drugs before back surgery. Laser surgery has been touted as the latest, least invasive, most successful technique with the least amount of recovery time. There are, however, several disadvantages to laser spine surgery.
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
Stephen O'Dwyer, a certified neuromuscular therapist based in Vermont, says unsuccessful back surgeries have become common enough to have their own acronym: FBSS, or failed back surgery syndrome. Both laser surgery and other traditional surgeries should be avoided if a less intrusive method will do the trick.
Public Perception
Peter Ullrich, M.D., says, "Lasers have been around for a long time and are almost completely useless when it comes to spine surgery." Ullrich's contention is that the public perception is that lasers are new and innovative, but they tend to be more useful for soft tissue surgery, such as in eye surgery. He says it is easier to cut disk tissue mechanically and that the danger of damaging the nerve root with a laser is higher than with conventional means.
Bleeding Edge Technology
Since laser spine surgery procedures were only developed in the late 1990s, the techniques are still considered new and untested by traditional surgeons. Any relatively new procedure is risky. Some patients report bowel damage or no relief. Newspapers like "The St. Petersburg Times" report malpractice lawsuits against the Bonati Institute for failed spine surgery using lasers.
Covering the Cost
Because of the relatively new practice of laser spinal surgery, as of 2009 many health insurance companies will not cover the costs. Check with your insurer before committing to the procedure.
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