minimally invasive spine surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) performed by neurosurgeons focuses on treating spinal disorders with less surgical trauma compared to traditional open surgery. This approach uses advanced techniques and technology to address conditions affecting the spine while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker recovery.

Common Procedures:

• Endoscopic Discectomy: Removal of a herniated disc or disc fragments that are pressing on spinal nerves. Performed through small incisions using endoscopic guidance.
• Endoscopic Laminectomy: Removal of a portion of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Achieved with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
• Percutaneous Spinal Fusion: Fusion of vertebrae using small incisions and instrumentation. Often involves placing screws and rods with the aid of fluoroscopy for real-time guidance.
• Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty: Minimally invasive techniques to stabilize fractured vertebrae by injecting bone cement. These procedures are used to treat compression fractures, often due to osteoporosis.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: Involves replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one through a minimally invasive approach.
• Foraminotomy: Expanding the foraminal openings to relieve nerve compression using small incisions and specialized instruments.

Indications for Neurosurgeons:

• Herniated Discs: To relieve nerve root compression.
• Spinal Stenosis: To decompress the spinal cord or nerves.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: For disc replacement or spinal fusion.
• Spinal Fractures: To stabilize fractured vertebrae.
• Scoliosis: In cases requiring surgical correction with less invasive methods.

Benefits

• Reduced Recovery Time: Smaller incisions and less tissue damage lead to quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.
• Less Postoperative Pain: Minimally invasive techniques generally result in less postoperative discomfort.
• Reduced Scarring: Smaller incisions result in minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.
• Lower Risk of Infection: Fewer and smaller incisions decrease the likelihood of surgical site infections.