Despite the discomfort and widespread fear of surgical procedures, modern technology, and medical advancements have contributed to the development of minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques. With these techniques, spinal surgeries have become less painful and more effective for individuals with spine injuries or spinal conditions.
Minimally invasive spinal surgeries involve smaller incisions and limited soft tissue damage compared to traditional open surgeries. This technique provides a range of benefits that can significantly impact patient outcomes, recovery, and long-term health.
Let’s discuss the benefits of minimally invasive spinal surgery and where you can get this surgery in Lone Tree, CO.
Types of Conditions That Can Be Treated with Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Spine problems can be debilitating and significantly impact your quality of life. Minimally invasive spinal surgery has become increasingly popular as it can effectively treat a wide range of spine conditions, including the following.
Herniated Discs
The most common condition treated through minimally invasive spinal surgery is herniated or slipped disc. This condition occurs when the spinal disc ruptures, the cushion-like pad separating the spinal cord and vertebrae. When this happens, the disc material can press against the spinal nerves, causing pain and discomfort. Traditional open surgery requires larger incisions, a longer time for recovery, and extended hospital stays. In contrast, minimally invasive surgery only requires several small incisions, usually around one inch each, and can be completed in an outpatient setting.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spinal canal narrow, which results in pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The most common reason for spinal stenosis is the natural aging process, but it may also occur due to degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis. Minimally invasive spinal surgery can be used to remove small bone spurs and other tissue to alleviate pressure.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the vertebrae in the spine slips out of place, leading to problems like lower back pain and numbness. In moderate to severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Minimally invasive surgery can be used to fuse the affected vertebrae to provide more stability and reduce the symptoms.
Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors are rare, but when they do occur, they can be life-threatening. Some tumors can cause spinal cord and nerve pressure, resulting in neurological problems. Minimally invasive spinal surgery can remove tumors and alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
With minimally invasive techniques, spinal surgeries have become less painful and more effective for individuals with spine injuries or spinal conditions. Benefits of minimally invasive spinal surgeries include:
1. Minimally invasive spinal surgeries involve smaller incisions
During traditional open spinal surgeries, a large incision gives the surgeon enough room to access the damaged or affected site. In contrast, minimally invasive spinal surgeries utilize smaller incisions to cause less damage to surrounding tissues. The smaller incisions are made with high-precision tools, which help surgeons to navigate and remove the damaged or affected tissues while minimizing surgical trauma to the body.
2. Reduced blood loss
Minimally invasive spinal surgeries cause less surgical trauma to the body, leading to significantly less blood loss due to improved control over bleeding. This is because smaller surgical incisions make it easier to control bleeding and reduce blood loss. Reduced blood loss significantly impacts patients’ peri-operative and post-operative healing as it prevents complications associated with transfusions and increases the speed of recovery.
3. Reduced risk of infections
The less invasive nature of minimally invasive spinal surgeries decreases the risk of infections as there is less exposure to external elements and reduced damage to the skin and lipids that surround the spine. Smaller incisions also ensure fewer complications and reduced exposure to bacteria and foreign substances in the surgical area. This reduces the likelihood that patients will contract and spread infections.
4. Quicker recovery time
Minimally invasive spinal surgeries provide patients with a quicker turnaround time. The minimally invasive approach reduces surgical trauma, leading to a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery time. Patients who undergo minimally invasive spinal surgeries can expect to return to normal daily activities in a shorter period. This means that their quality of life is resumed much sooner than it would have been if traditional open surgeries had been performed.
5. Reduced post-op pain
Minimally invasive spinal surgeries are less painful compared to traditional open spinal surgeries. Smaller incisions make for less scarring, less tissue damage, and, therefore, less pain. The reduction in pain allows patients to return to their usual activities quickly without being restricted by discomfort and post-operative pain.
Back Surgery in Lone Tree, CO
Do you need back surgery in Lone Tree, CO? Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery is here to help you undergo the best treatment for your condition. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeons and neurosurgeons have years of experience in diagnosing and treating a full range of nerve or spine conditions and injuries. We use advanced techniques and procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, to treat your neck pain, spine, or nerve condition.
If you have questions about back surgery or our services, you may call our helpful staff at (303) 790-1800. You can also book a visit with our providers using our secure online appointment request form.
For your convenience, we have other offices in Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Parker. We look forward to helping you receive the care you deserve!
