Updates

Jan 2026

Mr Bateman Introduces Endoscopic Spine Surgery at Nuffield Health Derby Hospital

We are delighted to announce that Mr Bateman, Consultant Spine Surgeon, will now be offering endoscopic spine surgery at Nuffield Health Derby Hospital. This marks an exciting step forward in expanding access to cutting-edge, minimally invasive spinal care for patients in the region.

Initially, this advanced technique will be available for patients requiring lumbar discectomy—a common procedure used to relieve nerve pain caused by a slipped (herniated) disc.

Endoscopic spine surgery represents a significant innovation in spinal care in recent years. Using a small camera (endoscope) and specialised instruments inserted through a tiny incision, the procedure allows precise treatment of the affected area while minimising disruption to surrounding tissues.

For many patients, the idea of spine surgery can feel daunting. However, advances like this are transforming that experience.

Patients undergoing endoscopic discectomy may benefit from:

• Smaller incisions – often just a few millimetres
• Reduced muscle damage – preserving normal anatomy
• Less post-operative pain – leading to greater comfort after surgery
• Faster recovery times – helping patients return to normal life sooner
• Shorter hospital stay – in some cases, same-day discharge

These benefits are not only clinically meaningful but also align with what research shows patients value most: reduced uncertainty, quicker recovery, and a faster return to independence.

Studies in patient experience consistently demonstrate that people feel more confident and less anxious when offered treatments that are:

• Minimally invasive
• Backed by modern technology
• Delivered by experienced specialists

By introducing endoscopic techniques, Mr Bateman is able to offer a solution that meets these expectations—combining surgical expertise with the latest advancements in spinal care.

While the service will initially focus on discectomy procedures, there is potential for expanding the range of conditions treated using endoscopic techniques in the future.

If you have been diagnosed with a slipped disc or are experiencing persistent leg pain (sciatica), this new option may provide an effective and less invasive path to recovery.

For further information or to arrange a consultation, please contact Nuffield Health Derby Hospital.

Apr 2026

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Facet Joint Injections Now Available at Nuffield Health Derby Hospital

We are pleased to announce that Mr Bateman, Consultant Spine Surgeon, is now offering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facet joint injections at Nuffield Health Derby Hospital. This innovative treatment is designed specifically for patients experiencing facet joint–mediated back pain, a common cause of chronic low back discomfort.

Facet joints are small  joints in the spine that can become painful due to arthritis, degeneration, or injury. Traditional treatments—such as physiotherapy, medications, or steroid injections—can be effective, but may not always provide sustained relief.

PRP therapy represents an exciting development in regenerative medicine. It involves using a patient’s own blood, processed to concentrate platelets rich in growth factors, which are then precisely injected into the affected facet joints to support healing and reduce inflammation.

The medical literature on PRP for facet joint pain is evolving, with increasingly encouraging findings:

• Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that PRP injections can significantly reduce pain and improve function, with longer-lasting benefits compared to steroid injections at 6–12 months in some studies (1)
• Prospective comparative studies indicate that while steroids may provide quicker short-term relief, PRP tends to offer more sustained improvement over time (2,3)
• Systematic reviews suggest PRP is generally safe and effective for degenerative low back pain, with a low rate of adverse events (4)
• Emerging research also highlights PRP’s biological rationale, including its ability to promote tissue repair and modulate inflammation in spinal structures (5)

However, it is important to remain balanced:

• Some high-quality trials have found no clear superiority over corticosteroid injections, emphasising the need for further large-scale studies (6)
• Overall, the current consensus is that PRP is a promising but still developing treatment, with ongoing research refining patient selection and technique (7)

From both a clinical and patient-centred perspective, PRP offers several potential advantages:

• Autologous treatment – derived from your own blood
• Minimally invasive – performed as a day-case procedure
• Potential for longer-lasting relief compared to traditional injections
• Regenerative approach – targeting the underlying biology of pain

For many patients, this aligns with a growing preference for natural, biologically driven therapies that aim not just to mask symptoms, but to support recovery.

Mr Bateman brings extensive expertise in spinal conditions and a commitment to evidence-based, personalised care. Not all back pain arises from the facet joints, and careful assessment—including clinical evaluation and diagnostic blocks where appropriate—is essential to ensure the right treatment pathway.

Patients will receive a comprehensive consultation, clear explanation of options, and a tailored management plan.

If you are experiencing persistent back pain and would like to explore whether PRP facet joint injections may be suitable for you, consultations are now available at Nuffield Health Derby Hospital.

This service reflects our ongoing commitment to offering advanced, evidence-informed treatments that help patients return to the activities that matter most to them.

1. Wu J et al. Pain Practice (2017) – PRP vs corticosteroid RCT
2. Baltzer AW et al. (2025) – PRP efficacy in lumbar facet joint pain
3. Singh C et al. (2023) – Comparative prospective study
4. Machado ES et al. (2023) – Systematic review of PRP in low back pain
5. Kawabata S et al. (2023) – Review of PRP in spinal disorders
6. Geoffroy M et al. (2026) – RCT comparing PRP and corticosteroid
7. Patel A et al. (2022) – Review of PRP for facet-mediated pain