MIS-MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY
The goal of MIS surgery is to stabilize the vertebral bones and spinal joints or relieve pressure being applied to the spinal nerves which often are a result of conditions such as bulging disc, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, herniated discs, and scoliosis or spinal tumors.
Minimally invasive surgery approaches can be faster, safer, and require less recovery time than open spine surgery. Because of the reduced trauma to the muscles and soft tissue of the back.
The potential benefits are:
- Better cosmetic results from smaller incisions.
- Reduced risk of muscle damage since less or no cutting of the muscle is required.
- Less blood loss from surgery because of smaller incisions.
- Reduced risk of infection and postoperative pain.
- Faster recovery from surgery and less rehabilitation required.
- Diminished reliance on pain medications after surgery.
COMMON MIS SURGERY TREATMENT OPTIONS
A number of specific techniques have been developed for MIS surgery. Though the field continues to develop, the list below highlights some of the most common options:
Discectomy: Spinal discs are essentially elastic rings with soft material inside that serve as cushions between the vertebral bones. If the elastic ring becomes incompetent or weakened, the soft tissue inside can extrude or herniated outside of the elastic ring. The herniated disc material can compress the nerves passing by, thus causing pain. If surgical treatment is recommended to trim or remove the herniated disc, it may be possible to perform this procedure with MIS surgery using tubular dilators and a microscope or endoscope.
Spinal Decompression: Spinal stenosis, which is narrowing of the vertebral column, is a common condition that can result in compression of the nerves. This can produce a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. If surgery is recommended, it may be possible to remove the bone and soft tissues causing the nerve
compression though an MIS approach using tubular dilators and a microscope or endoscope. The more common de compressive procedures include laminectomy and foraminotomy.
MIS TLIF (Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion): A TLIF can be performed if it is necessary to both decompress the nerves and put rods and screws in place to enable fusion of the bones. A tubular retractor system can be used to enable decompression of the nerves, removal of the disc, and replacement of the disc with material to facilitate interbody fusion of the vertebrae. Percutaneous screws and rods can then be placed for stabilization.
Stabilization of spinal trauma: At times, percutaneous methods can be used to place rods and screws to stabilize a traumatic injury to the spine.
