Dealing with a spine problem or condition can significantly impact your ability to perform daily tasks, and the prospect of undergoing spinal surgery can be overwhelming. It’s natural to have concerns about the open surgery procedure, potential risks, and recovery time.
However, advancements in medical technology have introduced a less invasive approach, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery.
Let’s talk about the essential factors you should consider for determining your eligibility for minimally invasive spine surgery and where you can go for this surgery in Colorado Springs, CO.
#1 Identify the Symptoms and Conditions Commonly Treated with Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Since minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) offers many benefits over traditional open surgery, it is used to treat various spinal conditions.
Some most prevalent conditions for which minimally invasive spinal surgery is performed include:
- Degenerative or slipped discs
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
- Spinal tumors
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Spinal infection
If you have certain spine symptoms, it’s best to consult a neurosurgeon to determine if your symptoms make you a candidate for spinal surgery.
#2 Learn about the Potential Risks of Undergoing Surgery
All spine surgeries have some risks, and so do minimally invasive spinal surgeries. However, compared to open surgery, minimally invasive spinal surgery comes with fewer chances of risks.
Some general risks of spine surgery include:
- Blood loss during surgery may need a blood transfusion
- Chances of blood clotting
- Infection at the site of surgery
- Allergic reactions to the anesthesia
- Chances of injury to the spinal cord or nerves
- Damage to surrounding tissues
Rarely, the surgeon may not be able to complete the minimally invasive spinal surgery as planned and may need to switch to an open technique.
#3 Consider What Your Post-Surgery Recovery May Look Like
Typically, compared to open surgery, minimally invasive surgery results in less pain and damage to surrounding muscles, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery.
This means minimally invasive spinal surgery will allow you to return to your work and daily activities faster. During your recovery phase, your spine surgeon may recommend physical therapy to speed up your recovery and regain your strength.
It’s pertinent to mention that full recovery varies from patient to patient and depends on your specific spinal problem, your age, overall health, the degree of difficulty of your procedure, and other factors. Your spine surgeon will consider all these factors before recommending minimally invasive spine surgery.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Colorado Springs, CO
If you have received a diagnosis of a spinal condition and want to determine your eligibility for minimally invasive spinal surgery, consider visiting our spine surgeon here at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery.
We use advanced and minimally invasive techniques to perform lumber decompression, anterior cervical discectomy,and fusion surgery (ACDF surgery), surgery to correct deformations associated with kyphosis and scoliosis, and much more.
If you would like to set up a consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our online appointment request form.
