Spine surgery has come a long way since the days of large incisions and lengthy hospital stays. Endoscopic spine surgery has changed the game for people seeking ultra minimally invasive care for complex spine conditions. The technique involves smaller incisions and an endoscope for better visualization. It has been used for many types of spine conditions, from spinal stenosis to chronic neck and back pain treatment.
Pioneered by Dr. Anthony Yeung, M.D., and his son, Dr. Christopher Yeung, M.D., of the Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) in Phoenix, Arizona, the procedure helps patients recover and return to their usual activities faster than before.
The journey started when Dr. Anthony Yeung developed the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System (YESS) procedure in the 1990s, and continues to this day, with surgeons around the world providing safer more effective, ultra minimally invasive techniques for patients.
In the early 1990s, spine surgery was dominated by traditional open procedures. While effective for many conditions, these surgeries often require surgeons to make large incisions, resulting in more muscle disruption, tissue damage and long recovery times. For many patients who received care at this time, the return to normal life and daily activities was slow and uncertain.
Dr. Anthony Yeung saw firsthand the impact of these invasive procedures when his mother received a spine surgery that resulted in nerve injury and lasting complications. Driven by a desire to find a better way, Dr. Yeung began his work on finding a less invasive solution for painful degenerative spine disorders.
While few saw the potential of endoscopic care in the beginning, Dr. Yeung continued honing his technique, and his patient outcomes continued to improve. He stayed committed to advancing the field, and, eventually, his minimally invasive developments began to inspire other health professionals to join him. Dr. Yeung went on to trained the first and second generations of spine surgeon from around the world.
Dr. Yeung developed the YESS procedure, the first working endoscopic system for the spine in the early 90s. The technology made it possible for surgeons to treat spinal conditions with tiny incisions, as little as 7 to 8 millimeters, compared to traditional open surgeries. Using a camera and specialized instruments, surgeons could now visualize and address problems in the spine more directly and precisely.
Endoscopic spine surgery introduced many advantages over traditional open procedures:
Endoscopic surgery innovations have been a significant development for patients with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, sciatica and other common conditions that require complex spine surgeries. Procedures that once required long stays in the hospital could now be done outpatient, usually letting patients return home the same day as treatment.
As endoscopic spine surgery gained traction, Dr. Anthony Yeung’s son, Dr. Christopher Yeung, joined him in practice in 2002. Growing up immersed in orthopedics, Dr. Christopher Yeung sought to continue modern endoscopic techniques and provide patients with effective treatments.
Trained under Dr. Robert Watkins IV, a renowned spine surgeon for elite athletes, Dr. Christopher Yeung created a philosophy centered on reducing recovery times and helping patients return to activities as quickly as possible. Like his father, his techniques involved preserving motion in the spine rather than relying on fusion.
Together, the Yeungs refined endoscopic procedures, taught other surgeons and contributed to research that helped validate modern spine care techniques today. Dr. Christopher Yeung continues providing innovative treatments, from endoscopic spine surgery to artificial disc replacements, to provide his patients with the most effective care available.
Endoscopic spine surgery has numerous advantages, helping patients restore function while preserving their mobility and enjoying faster recovery times. Key benefits of this advanced surgery include:
At DISC, patients have experienced life-changing results with endoscopic spine surgery. From young athletes wanting to return to sports as quickly as possible to adults seeking relief from chronic pain, the stories all share a common theme — restored function and improved quality of life.
“ Dr. Yeung didn’t just perform a cervical disc replacement, he gave me back my future.”
– Liz A.
“Everyone who sees me marvels at the speed of my recovery and I’ve told countless people about my experience. If you have long-term sciatica and you’ve tried getting relief from physical therapy and it hasn’t worked, I strongly think you should consider Dr. Yeung’s procedure.”
– William Sauro
“I had two back surgeries prior to seeing Dr. Yeung, with one of them requiring a stay in the hospital. All I can say is that Dr. Yeung’s technique for back surgery is revolutionary, and he has my gratitude for the nice pain-free years that he gave me.”
– J.H. Butler
Surgeons worldwide have adopted Yeung’s endoscopic techniques. After Dr. Anthony Yeung’s retirement in 2019, colleagues and mentees celebrated his legacy with video testimonials, highlighting the global reach of his innovations.
The field of endoscopic spine surgery continues to change, with technological advancements like larger-diameter endoscopes, high-speed drills and dual-portal techniques being introduced. These innovations are expanding the range of conditions that can be treated minimally invasively.
Academic institutions now incorporate endoscopic training into their programs, aimed to equip the next generation of spine surgeons with these skills from the start. With more research emerging and more patients experiencing the benefits, we’ll likely see endoscopic spine surgery become the standard of care for many spinal conditions in the future.
At the Desert Institute for Spine Care, we understand that choosing a spine specialist is a deeply personal decision. We focus on personalized care, identifying and treating the root of the pain and providing proven long-term results. All DISC surgeons are board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, fellowship-trained in advanced spine surgery techniques and graduated within the top 1% of their class from reputable universities and medical schools.
Our drive for innovation means we’re always seeking the safest, most effective solutions for our patients. We do more than treat symptoms — we get patients back to enjoying life again. Explore our testimonials to see the difference minimally invasive options can make in your life.
The journey from open surgeries to endoscopic spine surgery can be traced to the Yeungs’ incredible work to achieve better patient outcomes. As minimally invasive spine pioneers, the Yeungs’ legacy shows in every patient who receives this innovative care and regains mobility, every surgeon they’ve trained and worked with and all the lives they’ve touched.
If you or a loved one is struggling with neck, back or leg pain, schedule a consultation today to explore the minimally invasive options available at the Desert Institute for Spine Care. The future of spine surgery is here, and it’s changing lives every day.
