NHOC Pioneers Groundbreaking, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Orthopaedic: Bedford, NH — June 19, 2025 — New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center is proud to announce a major milestone in spine care: the successful completion of the first endoscopic discectomy procedures in the state. Performed at Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center (BASC), these surgeries introduce a groundbreaking, ultra-minimally invasive technique that is redefining recovery for patients with herniated discs.

Led by Matthew W. Wilkening, MD, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center, these procedures mark a significant advancement in minimally invasive spine surgery in New England. Outside of limited offerings in Boston and the Seacoast, NHOC & BASC are one of the few in the region providing this level of innovation.

“To our knowledge, these are the first surgeries of their kind performed in New Hampshire,” said Dr. Wilkening. “Endoscopic discectomy enables us to treat disc herniations with exceptional precision — resulting in less pain, faster recovery, and the ability to go home the same day, right here in Bedford.”

Endoscopic discectomy is performed through an incision typically smaller than one centimeter. With the aid of a tiny camera and specialized instruments, surgeons can remove herniated disc material while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue. Compared to traditional spine surgery, patients benefit from:

• Significantly less postoperative pain
• Lower risk of complications
• Decreased reliance on narcotic medications
• Faster return to daily activities

New Hampshire Orthopaedic Center remains at the forefront of delivering advanced, patient-focused spine care throughout the region. To learn more please click Here