Minimally invasive spine surgery is a type of surgery that uses small incisions and specialized techniques to access the spine, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and muscle. It is often used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. The most common types of minimally invasive spine surgery include laminotomy, laminectomy, and microdiscectomy. These procedures can be done using a variety of different tools and technologies, such as endoscopic cameras, laser technology, and specialized instruments. Minimally invasive spine surgery is generally considered to be less invasive than traditional open spine surgery, which often requires large incisions and the use of general anesthesia.
Type’s of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
There are several types of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) procedures that are used to treat various conditions of the spine. Some of the most common procedures include:
- Microdiscectomy: This procedure is used to remove herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. It is done through a small incision and typically involves using a microscope to visualize the affected area.
- Laminotomy and Laminectomy: These procedures are used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis. A laminotomy involves removing a small portion of the lamina, while a laminectomy involves removing the entire lamina.
- Minimally invasive spinal fusion: This procedure is used to stabilize the spine and reduce pain caused by conditions such as degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. It involves using small incisions and specialized instruments to fuse two or more vertebrae together, with the goal of stabilizing the spine.
- Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: These procedures are used to treat vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis or other conditions. They involve injecting a cement-like material into the affected vertebra to stabilize it and reduce pain.
- Interlaminar implant : This procedure is used to treat chronic low back pain caused by degenerative disc disease by providing decompression and stabilization at the same time.
Minimally invasive spinal fusion
Minimally invasive spinal fusion is a type of surgery that is used to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis. It involves the use of small incisions and specialized techniques to fuse two or more vertebrae together, with the goal of stabilizing the spine and reducing pain. The procedure is similar to traditional open spinal fusion surgery, but it uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to access the spine. This results in less tissue damage and a shorter recovery period.
During the procedure, small incisions are made in the patient’s back to access the affected vertebrae. The surgeon then removes any damaged or herniated discs, and inserts bone grafts or other materials between the vertebrae to promote fusion. Specialized instruments, such as tubes, retractors, and rods, are used to help hold the vertebrae in place while the bone grafts heal.
Minimally invasive spinal fusion has several benefits, including less blood loss, less muscle damage, shorter recovery time, and lower risk of complications, as compared to traditional open spinal fusion surgery. However, not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive spinal fusion and some cases may require the traditional technique. It’s important to consult with a spine specialist, who will evaluate the condition and recommend the best surgical approach.
Benefit’s of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has several benefits compared to traditional open spine surgery, including:
- Smaller incisions: MISS uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to access the spine, which results in less damage to surrounding tissue and muscle.
- Less blood loss: Because the incisions are smaller, there is less blood loss during the procedure.
- Shorter recovery time: With less tissue damage and blood loss, patients typically have a shorter recovery time after MISS.
- Reduced pain: MISS can be less painful for patients, both during the procedure and in the recovery period, due to less tissue damage.
- Lower risk of complications: The smaller incisions used in MISS can reduce the risk of complications such as infection, nerve damage, and bleeding.
- Better cosmetic results: The smaller incisions used in MISS can result in less visible scarring.
It’s important to note that not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery and some cases may require the traditional technique. It’s important to consult with a spine specialist like Dr Atmaranjan , who will evaluate the condition and recommend the best surgical approach.