Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Traditionally spine surgeries are either decompression surgery or fusion surgery. Open Spine Surgeries have been around for decades. Spine surgery has advanced significantly over the last few decades with new technology and innovations coming up every day. Minimally invasive spine surgery( MISS) is one such development which has brought about significant change in spine care.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery involves conducting surgeries using newer techniques and specialised instruments to carry out the procedure with smaller incisions and minimal damage to the muscles.Surgeries which includes placing the screws, cages or any bone graft can also be easily done in minimally invasive technique like traditional open surgery.

MISS techniques were developed to cure the spine without giving more injury to the muscles. During this procedure a small incision is made and an instrument called tubular retractor is inserted through the skin. Any bone or disk material that is removed exits through the retractor and any devices necessary for fusion such as screws or rod are inserted through the retractor. Some surgeries require more than one retractor.

This technique helps to reduce post-surgery pain and duration of hospital stay. Patients operated with minimally invasive techniques get discharged within in two to three days. As the patients get discharged early, the recovery of is also very fast.

Post-surgery , physical therapy is recommended . Practicing specific exercise suggested by physiotherapist will help in increasing the spine strength and earlier returns to full activities.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery:

•        Use of Less anesthesia

•        Less post-operative pain

•        Smaller incisions

•        Less scarring

•        Less soft tissue and muscle damage

•        Reduced blood loss during surgery

•        Reduce the risk of infection

•        Faster recovery after surgery

•        Shorter duration spent in the hospital