Video: Explore the Future of Spine Care: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Seminar

Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan presenting at the Innovations in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery seminar, standing in front of a projected slide showing spine X-rays and surgical implants
Video: Explore the Future of Spine Care: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Seminar

Part of the Health & Wellness Seminars at Monadnock Community Hospital (MCH)

Join us as we uncover the latest breakthroughs in spine care with our new seminar video, Innovations in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, presented by Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan of Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates. Back pain affects millions of people, with spinal conditions being a leading cause of disability in the United States. If you or a loved one is seeking relief, this seminar is your opportunity to gain expert insights into innovative techniques that are transforming outcomes for patients. 

Smiling elderly couple jogging on a park trail, representing active and healthy lifestyles.

Why Spine Care Matters

  • Prevalence of Back Pain: 80-100% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. 
  • Impact of Spinal Conditions: Over 6-7 million Americans are disabled due to spinal issues. 
  • Rising Demand for Spine Surgery: Lumbar surgeries have seen a dramatic increase of 113% in recent years, compared to just 15% for hip and knee replacements. 
  • Aging Population: Patients aged 60 and older have experienced a 230% increase in lumbar surgeries over the last decade. 
Line chart depicting the annual growth in spine surgeries from 2003 to 2017, separated by total, male, and female cases
Annual numbers of spine surgeries Trends in the numbers of spine surgeries and spine surgeons over the past 15 years – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Annual-numbers-of-spine-surgeries_fig1_359848116

Spinal conditions are not just about pain—they affect mobility, independence, and quality of life. As the demand for advanced care grows, minimally invasive techniques are providing a safer, more effective solution for patients of all ages. 

Bar chart showing the growth of the spinal fusion market from 2018 to a projected 2032, increasing from $9.8 billion to $16.27 billion.
Global Spinal Fusion Market Overview
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review Source: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/spinal-fusion-market-19208
Bar chart showing the increase in publications on endoscopic spine surgery from 1976 to 2020, with a sharp rise after 2000.
Publication trends in endoscopic spine surgery by year
Spinal endoscopy: evidence, techniques, global trends, and future projections https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1529943021008196

What You’ll Learn in the Seminar

Dr. Hambardzumyan discusses the latest advancements in minimally invasive spine surgery, highlighting how these techniques are revolutionizing care. Key topics include: 

  • Minimally Invasive Techniques 

Learn how smaller incisions and advanced tools reduce trauma to the body, leading to less pain, quicker recovery, and lower infection risks. These techniques also minimize the use of opioids post-surgery. 

  • Cutting-Edge Technology 

Explore how robotics, navigation systems, and endoscopic tools enhance precision and efficiency in surgery. These innovations are making procedures more accessible and reducing the risk of complications. 

  • Motion-Preserving Techniques 

Discover options that preserve natural movement, like cervical disc replacements, which lower the risk of reoperation and reduce adjacent level disease. 

Detailed image of the ProDisc C Vivo implant showing fixation points for cervical disc replacement.

  • Enhanced Recovery Programs 

Learn about post-operative protocols designed to get patients back to their daily lives faster. 

Success Stories from Monadnock Community Hospital 

  • Over 100 spine surgeries were performed at MCH in just 18 months. 
  • A complication rate three times lower than the national average (5.8% vs. 16.4%). 
  • Procedures like cervical disc replacement, kyphoplasty, minimally invasive fusions, and endoscopic discectomies are being offered for the first time in the region. 
  • Most patients are discharged the same day or after just one overnight stay. 

X-ray showing a cervical disc replacement with a clear view of the implanted device in the cervical spine

Lateral X-ray of the cervical spine showing advanced cervical myelopathy with visible stabilization devices.

Lateral X-ray view of the lumbar spine after minimally invasive fusion, showing inserted screws and rods for stabilization.

Frontal X-ray view of the lumbar spine with screws and rods used in minimally invasive fusion surgery.

Frontal X-ray of the cervical spine showing a disc replacement implant for improved motion preservation.

Lateral X-ray of the cervical spine showing stabilization with a fusion device after ACDF surgery.

Cutting-Edge Technology in Spine Care

One of the most exciting advancements in spine care is endoscopic spine surgery. With smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times, this technique is revolutionizing how patients are treated. Despite its incredible benefits, endoscopic spine surgery remains a specialized field: 

  

  • Only ~3% of spine surgeons in the U.S. perform endoscopy on a regular basis. 
  • Out of ~5000 spine surgeons nationwide, only 150-200 hospitals in the U.S. offer this service. 
  • In New England, just 7-8 hospitals provide endoscopic spine surgery, making Monadnock Community Hospital a leader in offering this cutting-edge care. 
Illustration of endoscopic spine surgery showing a tubular device accessing the spine through a minimally invasive incision.
Spinal endoscopy: evidence, techniques, global trends, and future projections https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1529943021008196

This expertise ensures that our patients receive the highest level of precision and care, positioning Monadnock as a regional destination for advanced spine surgery. 

Map of New England highlighting the location of Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, New Hampshire.

The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques offer numerous benefits over traditional open surgeries, including: 

  • 16x lower infection risk. 
  • Shorter hospital stays: The average stay decreases from 3.8 days for open surgeries to just 0.9 days for endoscopic procedures. 
  • Faster operative times: Endoscopic surgeries average 45.8 minutes compared to 73.8 minutes for open surgeries. 
  • Quicker return to work: Patients recover faster and can resume their daily activities sooner. 
  • Immediate pain relief: Procedures like kyphoplasty provide almost instant relief for vertebral fractures. 

Lateral X-ray showing the results of a kyphoplasty procedure with visible vertebral restoration.

Frontal X-ray of the spine highlighting the vertebral stabilization achieved through kyphoplasty.

 

Tailored Care for Older Adults

Stacked bar chart showing the increasing proportion of elderly patients in total spinal surgeries from 2003 to 2017
Proportions of elderly people in total spinal surgery cases Trends in the numbers of spine surgeries and spine surgeons over the past 15 years – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Proportions-of-elderly-people-in-total-spinal-surgery-cases_fig2_359848116

With spinal conditions becoming more common in aging populations, minimally invasive procedures are essential for older adults who often have additional health concerns. These techniques are safer, less invasive, and designed to minimize complications, ensuring that patients can maintain their independence and quality of life. 

Real-Life Case Studies

Dr. Hambardzumyan shares patient stories to illustrate the life-changing impact of these procedures: 

  • A 34-year-old woman with cervical radiculopathy who experienced significant pain relief through cervical disc replacement. 

X-ray of the cervical spine in a 34-year-old patient showing the results of a cervical disc replacement.

A 64-year-old woman with cervical myelopathy who regained mobility after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). 

These examples demonstrate the potential for minimally invasive techniques to provide faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved outcomes. 

About Monadnock Community Hospital’s Spine Services

NuVasive Simplify Disc with titanium plasma coating, PEEK endplates, and ceramic core for cervical spine replacement.

Monadnock Community Hospital is proud to lead the region in innovative spine care. As one of only a few facilities in New England offering endoscopic spine surgery, our team is dedicated to bringing cutting-edge care to the community. Our focus on minimally invasive procedures ensures that patients receive the highest quality care with the least disruption to their lives. 

X-ray showing the positioning of a surgical instrument during endoscopic spine surgery in the lumbar region.

Watch the Seminar Video Now

Ready to learn more? Watch the full seminar video to gain valuable insights into the future of spine care and see how Dr. Hambardzumyan and Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates are transforming lives through innovation and expertise: Watch Now. 

Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates offers comprehensive care tailored to meet the needs of every patient. Explore our services: Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates. 

Promotional banner for the Health and Wellness Seminar at Monadnock Community Hospital. Features Dr. Vache Hambardzumyan presenting on 'Innovations in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery,' with the date January 9, 2025, and the hospital's tagline 'Your life. Your health. Your Hospital.' Website link included: www.MonadnockHospital.org

Videography by Jennifer Paone at The Production House

Learn more about Monadnock Community Hospital’s Health and Wellness Seminars

Watch more seminar videos: Health and Wellness Seminars at MCH Playlist

We’re excited to share the full video recording of the seminar with you! [Watch it now] to gain valuable insights and empower yourself to take charge of your heart health.

At Monadnock Community Hospital, we are dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of our community. This seminar is just one way we strive to elevate the health of our community by providing accessible, high-quality care.


Learn more about MCH’s Health and Wellness Seminars
Browse more informative seminar videos: Health and Wellness Seminars at MCH Playlist

Health and Wellness Seminars


Why Choose Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates?

Our board-certified physiatry and pain management specialists combine decades of experience with training from prestigious institutions like the Mayo Clinic. We offer comprehensive orthopedic care using advanced techniques and technology, all while providing personalized attention. At Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates, we’re committed to getting you back to pain-free living as quickly as possible with expert, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Choose us for expert care that’s close to home, where your well-being is our highest priority.

Monadnock Orthopaedic Associates

Monadnock Community Hospital
Bond Wellness Center Suite 200
458 Old Street Road
Peterborough, NH 03458
Phone: 603-924-2144
Fax: 603-924-3993