Spine pain can be caused by a number of conditions that create abnormal or excessive motion at a disc segment of the spine. This abnormal motion can create pinching of the spinal nerves and severe pain and disability. When this motion causes severe pain and inability to function that can’t be eased by conservative treatments, spine fusion surgery may be considered.
New minimally invasive techniques
“Traditionally, spine fusion surgery has been handled by a single large incision,” explains Summit Orthopedics spine surgeon Dr. David Strothman. “Advances in surgical technology have given us other options for fusion surgeries, including the use of minimally invasive spine fusion surgery techniques that enable us to perform spine procedures through smaller incisions with less collateral damage.”
Minimally invasive techniques are designed to cause as little trauma as possible to muscle, ligament, blood vessels, and internal organs. In cases where patients are good candidates for a minimally invasive fusion procedure, they experience several advantages.
Advantages of minimally invasive spine fusion surgery
- Minimally invasive procedures cause less tissue trauma.
- Because the incisions are small, there is less scarring.
- Less soft tissue damage leads to significantly less blood loss during surgery.
- Recovery is faster, leading to shorter hospital stays.
- Smaller incisions mean less postoperative discomfort.
- Often, patients can recover comfortably with less pain medication.
- Many minimally invasive surgeries can safely be performed in surgery centers instead of hospitals, significantly reducing infection risks.
Conditions where spine fusion can potentially be an option
“Whenever we consider surgical options with a patient,” says Dr. Strothman, “it is important to make a decision based on an assessment of the individual patient, and the suitability of the surgical option for the patient’s condition. Given appropriate circumstances, the following conditions may be addressed by minimally invasive fusion surgery:
- Spinal stenosis (pinched nerves)
- Herniated discs
- Synovial cysts
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar spondylolisthesis
- Isthmic spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative spondylolisthesis
- Postlaminectomy spondylolisthesis
- Infections or tumors that cause a weak or unstable spine
- Fractures
- Scoliosis
- Spinal deformity
A thorough and conservative approach
“The first and most important step in the treatment of back pain is a careful anatomical diagnosis, including a thorough patient history, physical exam, and diagnostic studies to identify the source of the pain,” says Dr. Strothman. “Determining the primary source of pain is the greatest challenge. If conservative, nonsurgical treatments do not resolve pain for the patient, we will talk together about the surgical options, including minimally invasive surgery techniques, that are best suited to our patient’s condition—and our patient’s objectives.” Summit Orthopedics is home to the area’s top spine specialists for spine fusion surgery, with fellowship-trained spine surgeons.
Summit Orthopedics offers comprehensive spine expertise
Our back specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, nonsurgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, biofeedback, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeons offer proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a spine consultation.
Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.
Related resources
- Check out information on Spinal Fusion Surgery
- See Summit’s treatment options for neck, back, and spine care
- View Summit’s Spine animated condition and treatment video library including various types of fusions
More resources for you
- Ask Dr. Wahlquist: What’s the difference between minimally invasive and minimal access surgery?
- Ask Dr. Strothman: Guidelines for Evaluating Surgical Risks
- Ask Dr. Strothman: What Do I Need To Know About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
- Ask Dr. Santos: Can I Request Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
