Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses specialized instruments, tubular retractors, and imaging guidance (like C-arm fluoroscopy) to treat spinal conditions through small incisions, significantly reducing muscle damage, blood loss, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. It is ideal for highly localized issues like herniated discs, with recovery ranging from a few weeks to months depending on the procedure.
Commonly Treated Conditions
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal infections or tumors
- Compression Fractures
- Spinal Tumors
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
It also makes spine surgery possible for patients who were previously considered too high-risk for traditional surgery due to previous medical history or the complexity of the condition.
Procedure
In minimally invasive spine surgery the surgeon makes on or more incisions through the skin. An Endoscope (Small Tube) is passed through the incision allowing the surgeon to work through a smaller operating field. This results in much less damage to the muscles, soft tissue and skin. The result is shorter healing time with this surgery. Many types of spine surgery can be done with a minimally invasive approach such as discectomy, decompression and spinal fusion
Benefits Over Open Surgery
- Less Pain: Reduced disruption of muscles and tissues.
- Smaller Scars: Incisions are typically less than one inch.
- Lower Complication Rate: Reduced risk of infection and less blood loss.