Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive surgical spinal treatment uses advanced technology and innovative techniques to treat back pain and neck pain caused by a variety of spinal disorders.
Some of the spinal conditions MISS can treat are:
- degenerative disc disease
- herniated discs
- scoliosis
- spinal stenosis
Through computer-assisted technology and highly specialized tools, minimally invasive surgery is an attractive option for patients who want a quicker recovery after surgery, less post-operative pain, and smaller incisions.
Minimally invasive spine surgery minimizes soft tissue damage (eg, muscles). MISS may be a less risky, less invasive option compared to traditional open spine surgery. Although there are advantages of MISS, the goals of MISS procedures are the same as open traditional procedures.
Minimally invasive techniques are beginning to be used for a wider range of spine procedures, and have been used for common procedures like decompression and spinal fusion since the 1990s. Almost 90 per cent of doctors are now suggesting this method of surgery as it is much less painful, causes least damage and heals faster.
There are 3 main minimally invasive spine surgery techniques:
Mini-open: This is similar to an open procedure, but has fewer risks, such as less blood loss during surgery and less risk of infection because the incision is much smaller. Advances in visualization have made mini-open procedures possible.
Tubular: This surgery involves a tubular retractor, which acts as a tunnel that passes through your back muscles to access your spine. MISS with a tubular retractor is commonly referred to as a “muscle-splitting” approach.
Endoscopic: This spine surgery uses a tiny video camera called an endoscope—which is smaller than a dime—to pass through small surgical incisions (usually less than 2 cm) to access your spine. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, this procedure is commonly referred to as a “keyhole surgery” because an endoscope guides surgeons by showing them an internal view of your body on screens in the operating room. However, there are only a few spine surgeries that use endoscopes.
Recovery
Minimally invasive procedures can shorten hospital stays. The exact length of time needed in the hospital will vary with each patient and individual procedure, but generally, MISS patients go home in 2 to 3 days.
To help you regain strength and speed your recovery, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. This will depend on the procedure you have had and your general physical condition. Specific exercises will help you become strong enough to return to work and daily activities.
How long it will take to return to your daily activities after MISS depends upon your individual procedure and condition. Your doctor will evaluate you after your surgery to make sure that your recovery is progressing as expected.