Understanding What Makes Less Invasive Spine Surgery Different

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute provides concise, need-to-know information on less invasive spine surgery.

If you or someone you love is experiencing spinal aches due to injury, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute orthopaedic experts recommend seeking a doctor’s evaluation immediately.

The spine is made of three major segments that in a natural position form distinct “S-shaped” curves from the neck down through the lower back. The spine consists of connected vertebrae bones, the spinal cord and nerves, intervertebral discs, facet joints, and their surrounding muscles and ligaments.

When the spine’s curves become too large, too small, or is impacted by direct injury, the body experiences a lack of strength and flexibility and increased pain. For some patients with spine pain, a physician may recommend either traditional “open” spine surgery or less invasive spine surgery.

Surgical Recommendations

Modern spinal care is very complex, and individuals must undergo a comprehensive spine evaluation to receive an appropriate treatment recommendation for surgery or more conservative spinal care. Between arthritis and abnormalities that cause pain, numbness, or weakness, an accurate diagnosis is the only way to find out the severity of your condition. A physical evaluation, medical history review, and a series of x-ray, MRI, and CAT scans may be necessary.

Additionally, it is important to realize that surgical treatment methods should always be the last resort. Most patients should attempt various nonoperative treatments over a period of 6 -12 weeks before surgical treatment will be recommended. Above all, the decision for surgery is individualized and is determined on a patient-by-patient basis.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Compared To Other Methods

Small surgical incisions comprise minimally invasive spine surgery, which is a newer surgical technique that uses the most advanced instrumentation and implant devices. Comparatively, traditional open spine surgery remains the gold standard.

A traditional spinal fusion involves a larger incision, 5-6 inches long, to allow a surgeon to view and access the spine to remove diseased or damaged bone or intervertebral discs, as well as, install screws, cages, and any bone graft materials as necessary. Certain spinal conditions require standard open treatment including, but not limited to, severe scoliosis, tumors, and various infections. Decompression, which serves to relieve pressure put on the spinal nerves, is the main objective of both procedures. Patients eligible for less invasive spine surgery must carefully decide between traditional techniques or minimally invasive methods with the help of their doctor.

Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery is uniquely different than other procedures in its methodology, patient experience, and equipment utilized. There are several different applications of less invasive spine surgery, such as lumbar discectomy, posterior cervical discectomy, lumbar fusion, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, extreme lateral interbody fusion, and direct lateral interbody fusion. Patients who undergo minimally invasive spine surgery must understand:

• Procedure techniques have positive patient benefits. Instead of damaging soft tissue by pulling it apart during open surgery in a process called “retraction”, less invasive spine surgery requires small incisions performed with special tools that create a tunnel to hold, or “dilate,” the muscle open. Thus, patients experience less muscle damage from the surgery, decreased potential for nerve damage, and minimal blood loss.

• MIS requires specialized equipment and surgical training. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute’s Spine Team annually performs more than 3,000 spine surgeries in the Philadelphia greater metropolitan area, and we have properly trained surgeons to perform minimally invasive spinal procedures. Not only have our spine surgeons already climbed the “learning curve” of fast-paced technique changes, but our surgeons are also leaders in the minimally invasive spine specialization with access to new research and the highest caliber equipment.

• The recovery period is shorter than that of traditional spine surgery. Though traditional spine fusion recovery varies in length, it is longer than that of less invasive spine surgery, in which patients tend to leave the hospital post-op within 2-3 days. In some cases, minimally invasive spine procedures can be conducted on an outpatient basis. Physical therapy will help regain strength and mobility. Those who undergo spinal fusion can expect the bone to take several months to fully heal. Throughout this time, your doctor will monitor your condition to make sure your recovery is progressing properly.

For a spine evaluation or more information about less invasive spine surgery, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.