Expert Advice   Print Version Q. Are lasers used in spine surgery? A. Yes. The laser has been used mainly to surgically treat disc problems in the spine. A procedure called thermodiskoplasty is a way to alter the shape of the disc by shrinking the collagen and fibrocartilage. This procedure may be used in combination with microdiscectomy. Although in its early stages, the use of laser shows promise as a minimally invasive way to treat disc problems of the spine. It reduces scarring around the nerve roots and can lead to a speedier recovery. The hardening affect on the disc has also shown success in keeping the spine from becoming unstable after disc surgery. Print Version		Anatomy and Function of the Spine Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis Diagnostic Tests for Spine Problems Q. When can I play golf, ride a bike, or go hiking after spine surgery? A. It depends on the type and location of your surgery. A micro-discectomy… Clicking on any of the links will take you to a Web site to which this Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your interactions with such Web sites. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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