Article At A Glance
- Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions and special tools to address
many spinal problems.- Surgical treatments are usually not necessary for back pain, yet they can be effective in treating common problems when other treatments are ineffective.
- Treating spine problems with minimally invasive procedures has a high success rate.
Back pain is a problem for millions of people. Though many people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, most situations will resolve themselves over time using conservative treatment methods like anti-inflammatory medications and rest. Yet for others, a minimally invasive spine surgery is a better solution.
So what’s a minimally invasive surgery, and how can it help with back pain? Continue reading below to learn the answers to those questions and the benefits this treatment could offer.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: What Is It?
When a patient must undergo standard spinal surgery or open surgery, the surgeon will make a long incision along the back, abdomen, or side. The doctor will move muscles and tissues out of the way to reach the problem areas within the spine. Though this method is generally safe and effective, it can lead to long recovery times and serious post-surgical complications.
A minimally invasive spinal surgery differs from open surgery because doctors only need to use one or more small incisions in the back. The incisions are usually around half an inch long. Using an endoscope or metal tube in the incision ensures the surgeon can operate through the small openings without causing unnecessary damage to soft tissues and muscles around the surgical site.
Spine surgery using minimally invasive incisions and specialized equipment is effective, with success rates around 90%.
Common Reasons To Need Surgical Intervention for Spinal Issues
For many people, back pain can resolve on its own with time, medication, rest, and physical therapy. Unfortunately, surgery for spine conditions is sometimes necessary if the pain persists or worsens after exhausting conservative treatment options.
Your doctor may recommend surgical treatment for spinal conditions that can benefit from the procedure. Conditions may include:
- Fractured spinal bones
- Compression fractures
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Infection in the spine
- Spinal deformities
- Spinal infection
- Tumors
Are You a Candidate for a Spine Operation?
Every patient is different so surgery may work better for some than others. Detailed evaluations from medical professionals can help determine if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive surgery to address your back pain.
The ideal candidates for spine surgery are those who:
- Are a healthy weight
- Experience pain severe enough to impact their daily life
- Have unsuccessful experiences with conservative treatments for back pain
- Are generally healthy
What Happens During Surgical Spine Treatment
Typically, orthopedic and neurosurgeons handle spine surgeries, including minimally invasive ones. The explicit details of the procedure depend on your specific needs. Still, medical professionals will generally follow these steps:
- The medical team will either provide general anesthesia to help you sleep through the surgery, sedation to keep you awake yet relaxed, or local anesthesia to numb the surgical site and prevent pain.
- A medical professional will monitor your vitals, like your blood pressure, throughout the entire procedure.
- The surgeon will make the necessary incisions and use a tubular retractor to expose your spine.
- The retractor will house tiny tools the surgeon uses to repair spinal damage. They may use equipment like tiny cameras, lights, operating microscopes, and computer-assisted robotics.
- After repairing the damage, the surgeon will close the incisions.
Top Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery can have a faster recovery time than open surgery since it doesn’t involve long incisions or additional damage to muscles and soft tissues. Having smaller incisions also results in less blood loss, fewer infection risks, and minimal rehabilitation and downtime to recover.
Additional Read: The Benefits Of Orthopedic Physical Therapy For A Pain-Free Life
Possible Risks for Spinal Surgeries
All surgeries have risks; minimally invasive procedures aren’t an exception. Risks may include:
- Infection
- Poor reactions to anesthesia
- Blood clots in one or both legs that could travel to your lungs
- Injury to the nerves around your spinal cord
Seek Treatment for Your Back Problems at Orthopedic Specialists, S.C.
A minimally invasive spine surgery could be an effective treatment for many problems. If you’re experiencing the negative effects of medical conditions like spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or compression fractures, we at Orthopedic Specialists, S.C. can help. Our medical facility uses the latest technology to diagnose and treat patients with various spinal and pain conditions.
Our medical team serves patients within Elmhurst, Illinois, and the neighboring areas; call (630) 782-9600 today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Minimally invasive spinal surgeries have a high efficacy rate of about 90%.
- Despite its high success rate, like all surgeries, a minimally invasive back surgery still carries risks like infection, blood loss, and surgical pain.
- Minimally invasive spine surgery is a treatment we offer at Orthopedic Specialists, S.C.
