What is METRx in spine surgery?
Minimally Invasive Microdiscetomy or METRx Discectomy uses microscopic or endoscopic techniques to access and remove this herniated disc and relieve pressure on the compressed nerves. Minimally invasive microdiscetomy or METRx discectomy is usually performed on an outpatient basis under spinal or general anesthesia.
What is the METRx system?
METRx® Micro Endoscopic. Discectomy System. The METRx® MED® System allows a surgeon access to the spine using a series of sequential muscle dilation tubes. This dilation approach offers less disruption to the surrounding muscles and also allows for the paraspinous muscles to remain attached to the spinous process.
What is METRx decompression?
METRx discectomy/decompression is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed using the METRx (Minimal Exposure Tubular Retractor) system to treat problems of the spine.
What’s the difference between a discectomy and a laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a procedure to remove a greater portion of the bone (lamina) covering the roof of the spinal canal. A discectomy is a procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disc in the spine, which is bulging and pushing on a nerve.
What are tubular retractors?
A retractor is any instrument that moves or holds tissue so a surgeon can reach a particular area. The tubular retractor is valuable because it moves aside the folds and delicate tissues of the brain with less risk of damage than other surgical methods – it displaces the tissue instead of cutting through it.
What is the success rate of a laminectomy?
How effective is laminectomy? Most patients (70% to 80%) experience significant back pain relief and symptom improvement after laminectomy surgery.
What is a Greenberg retractor?
The GREENBERG Retractor and Handrest is a versatile, three-level system offering space planning, whereby each level has an assigned surgical task. This allows performance with more control and less tremor and fatigue.
What is METRX system Medtronic dilator technology and how does it work?
Thanks to METRx System Medtronic dilator technology, surgeons are able to perform complex or intricate operations without placing extra stress on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
How is METRX used to treat herniated discs?
The METRx System has been used during minimally invasive procedures to remove all or part of a herniated disc or disc fragments pressing on nearby nerve roots. This technology can also be applied to procedures where a part of the vertebral arch is removed (laminotomy) or when all or part of a disc is removed (discectomy).
What are the benefits of METRX surgeries?
Surgeries performed with the METRx System and related technology reduce the risk of unintended damage to muscles and other soft tissues near the damaged part of the spine. There is usually no need to cut or strip muscles, which further eases stress on the body.