Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Specialist

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a procedure to improve stability or relieve pressure within the vertebrae, joints, or other parts of your spine. The traditional approach, open spine surgery, requires a long incision for direct viewing and access during the procedure. 

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions, which means much less muscle disruption and damage. This type of surgery places a tiny camera within the surgical area, allowing for viewing on a high-definition monitor during the procedure. 

When might I need minimally invasive spine surgery?

Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, may recommend minimally invasive spine surgery if you have persistent chronic pain after trying non-surgical treatments. Most people start with physical therapy, oral medication, and other non-surgical treatments for pain. 

If those treatments don’t work, you generally try pain injections next. Injections are a short-term measure, but they may give you the pain relief you need as your body heals. Some people try long-term methods of pain relief, such as a spinal cord stimulator, peripheral nerve stimulator, or radiofrequency ablation, instead of surgery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is only for clear-cut causes of pain. Some common examples include:

• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis 
• Spondylolisthesis
• Vertebral compression fractures
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal infections (vertebral osteomyelitis, spinal epidural abscess, and others) 

If you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive spinal surgery, the team can explain the surgical options and what to expect. 

What happens during minimally invasive spine surgery?

Every minimally invasive spine surgery is different; it depends on your particular condition and needs. But, all minimally invasive spine surgeries require very small (buttonhole-sized) incisions and minimal muscle disturbance. 

The Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, surgeons have advanced training and skillsets in many types of minimally invasive spine surgery. They use the most up-to-date methods, including advanced methods of spinal fusion. 

The team uses industry-leading imaging and surgical equipment, including real-time X-rays (fluoroscopy), to maximize precision, safety, and effectiveness. 

What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery?

With minimally invasive spine surgery, you have reduced bleeding, a lower infection risk, and a much faster recovery than with open spine surgery. 

You may be able to go home the same day of your surgery or within a day or two. In contrast, most people who have open spine surgery spend 3-5 days in the hospital.

In general, postsurgery pain is far less than that of open spine surgery. Participating in a physical therapy program can help you recover your strength, flexibility, and overall function as quickly as possible after your surgery. 

Learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery with a consultation at Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, by calling the office.