Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) can address various spinal conditions, such as:
- Degenerative disc disease and back pain
- Herniated discs and nerve pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain and dysfunction
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Lumbar spondylolisthesis
- Neurogenic claudication
How Does Minimally Invasive Surgery Work?
In the past, spine surgeries required large incisions, leading to extended hospital stays and increased risks of complications like infections, blood loss, blood clots, and prolonged pain. Advances in technology now allow surgeons to use smaller incisions, minimizing damage to muscles and soft tissues. This results in faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, reduced blood loss, and less postoperative pain. Most patients leave the hospital or surgery center on the same day of surgery.
Common Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Disc Herniation Surgery: For eligible patients, a procedure called Endoscopic Spine Surgery is performed through a small incision using a camera and an incision the size of a No.2 pencil eraser. This approach reduces recovery time, pain medication needs, infection risk, and helps patients resume normal activities sooner.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery: For suitable candidates, decompression surgery can also be done via endoscopic spine surgery. Only the structures causing stenosis are cleaned out. This is using technology similar to what sports surgeons use to “scope” a knee or a shoulder. Once the procedure is complete, tissues fall back into place, promoting faster recovery, lower infection risk, and reduced need for pain medication.
- Posterior Lumbar Fusion: Eligible patients can undergo lumbar fusion through small incisions in the lower back. The surgeon uses X-ray guidance or 3D navigation to place screws and rods percutaneously (through the skin), stabilizing the spine. Unlike traditional methods requiring extensive muscle dissection, this technique leads to quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays, and less blood loss.
- Lateral Lumbar Fusion: For appropriate candidates, this procedure involves a small incision on the flank to remove a diseased disc and insert a cage with bone graft to promote fusion. The surgeon may also place percutaneous screws and rods on the low back for added stability. This approach minimizes tissue damage, reduces recovery time, and allows patients to return to activities sooner.
- Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Fusion: For patients with SI joint-related back pain, this outpatient procedure involves placing 3D-printed titanium fusion devices through a small incision to fuse the joint, reducing pain from excessive movement. Most patients go home the same day and experience a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.