Limited mobility due to back and neck pain? You’re not alone. Spine pain is very common, affecting 8 out of 10 Americans. Back pain is also the second largest cause of disability today.1
Minimally invasive spine surgery might hold the key to unlocking a pain-free life for you. Let’s look at the latest advancements that render minimally invasive spine surgery highly effective in treating a broad spectrum of spine conditions.
Advancements in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Advancements in MISS that help overcome the limitations and challenges of traditional open spine surgery include:
- Spinal Endoscopy: This technique involves inserting a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light source (endoscope) through a small incision in the skin to access the spine. The endoscope allows the surgeon to see the spinal structures and perform various procedures, such as discectomy or fusion, with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues.
- Intraoperative Imaging: Real-time imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy and CT scans provide surgeons with enhanced visualization during surgery, ensuring accurate placement of implants and reducing the risk of revision surgery.
- Navigation Systems: These are computer-assisted technologies that improve the visualization and navigation of the spine during MISS. They can provide 2D or 3D images of the spine, allowing the surgeon to plan and execute the surgery more accurately and safely.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery offers many benefits over traditional open spine surgery, such as:
- Less Blood Loss: Surgery results in significantly less blood loss, lowering the risk of infection, anemia, or the need for blood transfusion.
- Less Muscle Damage: Preservation of muscle strength and function is ensured as there is no need to cut or retract muscles around the spine.
- Faster Recovery: Patients typically return to their normal activities usually within a few weeks. MISS can help lessen the need for postoperative pain medication with physical therapy or rehabilitation.
If you're considering spine surgery, schedule an appointment with the Spine Clinic of Oklahoma City for a second opinion. We offer total spine care, specializing in minimally invasive treatment options for better health and an active lifestyle.
Reference:
1. https://www.goodpath.com/learn/back-pain-statistics-us
AUTHOR: Dr. Brett Braly is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery. Dr. Braly is a leading advocate for minimally invasive techniques in spine surgery. Dr. Braly is named among the top “20 under 40” best spine surgeons by the North American Spine Society.
