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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) has revolutionized the field of spine surgery, offering a safer and faster alternative to traditional spinal procedures. Whether you’re dealing with chronic lower back pain from spinal stenosis or a herniated disc in your neck, minimally invasive techniques could provide the relief you need with less downtime and fewer complications. Summit Orthopedics offers multiple leading-edge minimally invasive procedures to treat a wide range of spinal conditions for Minneapolis/St. Paul area residents.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller incisions than traditional open spinal surgery to perform procedures that relieve back or neck pain. Surgeons who have undergone expert training use specialized instruments to perform surgeries on the spine, spinal nerves and surrounding muscles and tissues. They may incorporate the use of advanced imaging technologies during surgery to see tissue in detail without having to use a large incision to see where they are removing damaged tissue around the spine.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

In general, minimally invasive surgery allows surgeons to treat a spinal issue while reducing damage to the soft tissues and muscles around the spine, which provides a number of advantages, including:

Common Conditions Treated With MIS

Minimally invasive spine surgery cannot treat every type of back problem, but it is a good option for several conditions that affect the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). The most common conditions treated with these types of back operations include:

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Many types of back surgery can be performed using a minimally invasive approach, including:

Many minimally invasive spinal procedures are performed endoscopically. A surgeon using this technique will make a small incision and insert a tiny camera (endoscope) into the area to be repaired. The endoscope allows your surgeon to visualize the details of your spine on a large screen above you, instead of cutting a larger incision to see your vertebrae and nerves.

What Happens During and After Your Surgery

The surgical journey to recovery will look different for every person. How long you stay in the hospital and how quickly you recover will depend on your overall health, your diagnosis and the type of procedure you have. 

Like any surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery does have risks. Although the rates of complications are lower than traditional surgery, there is still a risk of problems such as infection, nerve damage or inadequate pain relief.

Could You Benefit From Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers a promising option for many individuals with severe spine conditions. However, the suitability and success of these procedures depend on a variety of individual factors, such as your age, your overall health and your desired activity level after surgery.

Summit Orthopedics specializes in both spine surgery and nonsurgical treatment of spine conditions. If our comprehensive nonsurgical treatment options fail to improve your symptoms, your provider will help you weigh the benefits and risks of minimally invasive spine surgery, so you can feel confident in whatever treatment plan you ultimately choose.

If you have chronic neck or back pain, learn if minimally invasive spine surgery at Summit Orthopedics could be the answer. Find a spine expert or request an appointment online.

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