Back pain – a problem affecting millions of people around the world. In some cases, surgery becomes the only way to return to a normal life.
In Cleveland, neurosurgeon Xiaofei Zhou is implementing the latest minimally invasive endoscopic surgical technique for treating intervertebral disc hernias. This procedure is minimally invasive, allowing patients to recover faster and return to active life.
How does the new method work?
Traditionally, spinal surgeries require bones to be drilled and muscles to be cut, leading to a long and painful recovery. The new Arthrex procedure, used by Doctor Zhou, allows for the removal of a herniated disc through a tiny incision.
"We access the nerves through a very small camera port. This allows us to operate through a cut the size of a fingernail, without damaging bones or muscles," – explains Zhou.
This approach significantly shortens the recovery period, and patients can walk the same day after surgery.
Theresa Tuma's story: quick recovery
29-year-old Theresa Tuma from Lakewood suffered from severe pain due to an intervertebral disc hernia for a long time. The woman tried steroid therapy and physiotherapy, but relief did not come.
"It was destroying my life," – she recounts.
In February 2025, Zhou performed an endoscopic operation on her, after which the patient was able to stand and walk on the same day as the surgery.
"I didn’t feel any pain, even though I wore the brace for almost a year. I thought there would be stiffness or discomfort, but nothing like that happened," – shares Tuma.
Is this surgery suitable for everyone?
Doctor Zhou emphasizes that this method is not suitable for all patients.
"We cannot promise a perfect operation – there are always risks. Therefore, if there is an opportunity to avoid surgical intervention, we choose that," – explains the doctor.
However, for those who meet the criteria, this procedure represents a real breakthrough in back pain treatment, allowing patients to return to normal life much quicker than after traditional surgery.
