Pinched nerves occur when a nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues, such as spinal discs, bones, ligaments, or muscles. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from pain radiating from the neck or back to the arms or legs, tingling, numbness, and even muscle weakness. If left untreated, a pinched nerve can interfere with daily activities and significantly reduce quality of life.
As medical technology continues to advance, pinched nerve treatment can now be performed using more modern and minimally invasive techniques. One of the latest innovations is Arthroscopic-assisted Uni-portal Spine Surgery (AUSS), a spinal surgery technique that utilizes arthroscopic assistance through a single small incision to treat pinched nerves with greater precision.
Recently, dr. Christian Ariono, Sp.BS-FTB, FINSS, FINPS, FICS, a neurosurgeon at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, successfully performed a pinched nerve procedure using the AUSS method. This technique has become one of the modern treatment options that offers a smaller surgical wound, faster recovery, and improved patient comfort compared to conventional surgery.
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Understanding AUSS: The Latest Minimally Invasive Treatment for Pinched Nerves
AUSS is a modern spinal surgery technique performed through a single small incision using a camera and specialized instruments. dr. Christian Ariono explained how it differs from other pinched nerve treatment methods.
“What makes it different from the techniques we have been performing so far? In short, compared to Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (BESS), BESS requires two incisions, whereas AUSS requires only one. This allows us to minimize muscle injury experienced by the patient and hopefully accelerate the recovery process,” said dr. Christian Ariono.
Compared to arthrospine, another procedure commonly performed by dr. Christian Ariono to treat pinched nerve patients at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, AUSS does not utilize a working channel during the procedure.
“In arthrospine, we use a sheath, or what we call a working channel. In AUSS, we do not use one. As a result, the surgeon’s hand movements can be more flexible, allowing us to decompress the nerve more effectively and obtain a wider view of the surgical field within the patient’s body. The incision size is approximately the same as arthrospine, around 1.5 cm, or up to 2 cm in larger patients,” dr. Christian Ariono added.
According to dr. Christian Ariono, the choice between AUSS and arthrospine depends on the patient’s specific condition and clinical circumstances.
What Are the Advantages of the AUSS Technique for Pinched Nerve Treatment?
Some of the advantages of the AUSS technique include:
- Smaller surgical incision: The procedure is performed through a single small access point, minimizing tissue damage around the surgical area.
- Reduced trauma to muscles and surrounding tissues: Because the surgical pathway is more targeted and limited, disruption to muscles, ligaments, and healthy tissues around the spine is minimized.
- Less postoperative pain: Minimal tissue damage may help reduce pain after the procedure compared to conventional open surgery.
- Lower risk of bleeding: The precise and minimally invasive approach generally results in less blood loss during surgery.
- Shorter hospital stay: Many patients recover faster, allowing for a shorter hospitalization period.
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities: With a smaller incision and less tissue trauma, patients may resume their normal activities sooner.
- Improved visualization of nerve structures: Arthroscopic assistance enables surgeons to view nerves and surrounding tissues in greater detail, allowing for more accurate treatment.
- Potentially lower risk of certain complications: The minimally invasive approach may reduce the risk of surgical wound infections and complications associated with larger incisions.
- Better cosmetic results: Smaller incisions typically leave less noticeable scars compared to open surgery.
Although AUSS offers many advantages, the selection of this technique must still be tailored to each patient’s individual condition. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed to determine whether AUSS is the most appropriate option based on the location of the pinched nerve, symptom severity, and the patient’s overall health condition.
When Should You Consult dr. Christian Ariono for a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve can cause a range of symptoms that are often overlooked in the early stages. However, without proper treatment, the condition can worsen and interfere with daily life. Therefore, it is important to consult a neurosurgeon if you experience symptoms suggestive of a pinched nerve to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Symptoms that should not be ignored include:
- Persistent or recurrent tingling sensations in specific areas.
- Burning sensations in the neck, back, arms, hands, buttocks, or legs.
- Sharp, stabbing, or needle-like sensations.
- Numbness or reduced sensation in certain body parts.
- A feeling that a limb has “fallen asleep” or difficulty moving it normally.
- Sharp, stabbing, or prolonged dull pain.
- Pain radiating from the neck to the shoulders and arms, or from the lower back to the buttocks and legs.
- Muscle weakness, such as difficulty gripping objects, lifting the arms, standing, or walking.
It is important to understand that a single nerve can affect sensation and function in multiple areas of the body. As a result, symptoms of a pinched nerve may not always appear at the exact location where the nerve is compressed. For example, a pinched nerve in the lower back can cause pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates to the buttocks and legs.
If you experience one or more of the symptoms above, especially if they do not improve, become more severe, or begin interfering with daily activities, it is advisable to consult dr. Christian Ariono, Sp.BS-FTB, FINSS, FINPS, FICS. Through a thorough evaluation, he can identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment options, ranging from conservative therapies to minimally invasive surgical procedures such as AUSS when necessary.
dr. Christian Ariono’s Profile and Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
dr. Christian Ariono, Sp.BS, FINSS, FICS, FINPS is a neurosurgeon experienced in treating a wide range of nervous system disorders, including pinched nerves. He is also skilled in managing nerve tumors, cerebral blood vessel blockages, and various brain diseases and infections, including meningitis.
In his clinical practice, dr. Christian is proficient in multiple pinched nerve treatment techniques, ranging from minimally invasive procedures such as arthrospine and AUSS to spinal surgeries such as Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). The treatment method selected will be tailored to each patient’s condition and needs.
dr. Christian Ariono is an active member of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Society of Neurological Surgeons (PERSPEBSI). He completed his medical degree at the Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, and later pursued his neurosurgery specialization at the Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University. His educational background and clinical experience enable him to provide comprehensive care for patients with neurological and spinal disorders.
Practice Schedule
dr. Christian Ariono, Sp.BS, FINSS, FICS, FINPS is available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Monday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
- Tuesday: 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Wednesday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
- Thursday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
- Friday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
- Saturday: 08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter application, available on Google Play and the App Store, to schedule appointments, view queue numbers, and access other useful information.
The information provided on this page is intended for educational and general informational purposes only and does not represent the full scope of medical services that may be performed by each physician. To ensure treatment appropriate to your condition, a direct consultation with the relevant doctor is recommended.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
