Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) allows surgeons to access the spine through smaller incisions. It is made possible by the use of a long, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the end – called an endoscope – and specialized tools. The endoscopic technique is used to treat patients with complex spine disorders. MISS may be used to treat trauma, spinal tumors, or deformities. Fracture reduction, spinal fusion, laminectomy, and discectomy may be performed using minimally-invasive techniques.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
What does the minimally-invasive approach mean for patients? It means a potentially shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, a faster recovery period, and a reduced risk for complications. This is why minimally invasive approaches to surgery are always encouraged for the right candidates.
So, who is a candidate for minimally invasive spinal surgery?
Who Is a Good Candidate?
To determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, you need to be evaluated by a spine surgeon who specializes in minimally-invasive spine surgery. The surgeon considers the patient’s quality of life by asking questions such as:
- Do you have persistent pain?
- Does the pain travel from your neck to your extremities?
- Does the pain travel from your lower back into your lower extremities?
- Have you had back surgery and are still experiencing symptoms?
Usually, patients who are not good candidates for traditional spine surgery are good candidates for minimally-invasive spinal surgery. Your specific spine condition can also impact your suitability for the procedure. Typically, patients who are good candidates need a decompression of the spinal nerves, greater stability of the spine, and a correction of a deformity. Certain spine tumors and infections cannot be treated using a minimally-invasive technique. Patients with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis may be treated using a minimally-invasive approach when nonsurgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms for a period of three months or more. In many cases, elderly patients are good candidates for the procedure.
How To Choose a Spine Surgeon
To find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, talk to your doctor. Also, know that not all surgeons are skilled in the procedure. Choose a spine surgeon that specializes in minimally-invasive surgical techniques. There is a steep learning curve for minimally-invasive spinal surgeries and the last thing you want is someone without extensive experience performing it. A minimally-invasive surgeon can ensure that you get the benefits of the minimally-invasive technique.
Find Out If You Are a Candidate for Minimally-Invasive Spinal Surgery
The neurosurgeons at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery are highly skilled and experienced in minimally-invasive spinal surgery. We use minimally-invasive techniques to treat patients with herniated discs, spinal fractures, disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis, and more. We strive to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
If you’ve got a spinal disorder, you may be a good candidate for the procedure. Schedule an appointment with one of our spine surgeons for a comprehensive evaluation. You may reach us at (303) 790-1800 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to your call!
