Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain or an acute spine injury, there is a chance that you may require back surgery. Though surgery can be intimidating, there are multiple options available to you, depending on your diagnosis, including minimally invasive options. While many think minimally invasive surgery is one thing, it is actually a series of techniques that can be used.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY VS. TRADITIONAL SPINE SURGERY
Spine surgeries vary according to diagnosis and it is important to remember that not all spine surgeries are created equal. In both traditional and minimally invasive surgeries there are various approaches that surgeons can take for each, making the titles “traditional” and “minimally invasive” more or categories that identify the kind of procedure than the actual procedure itself.
Some of the main differences include:
Traditional Spine Surgeries
- Larger incisions that go through spine muscle
- Exposes the spine for surgeons to visualize the spine
- Longer recovery
- Higher risk of infection
Minimally Invasive Surgeries
- Smaller incisions that avoid spine muscle
- Uses x-ray and other image guided technology to visualize the spine
- Faster recovery
- Less risk of infection
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY?
There are a number of significant benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Because the incisions are much smaller, there is a reduced risk of complications. For example, the surface of the skin is not disrupted as much, meaning that there is a reduced risk of bleeding and infection.
- With smaller incisions during minimally invasive spine surgery, the recovery process is also faster. If you would like to get back to your daily routine as quickly as possible, then minimally invasive may be the better option.
- You will also experience less discomfort following the operation. Because your body does not have to heal large incisions, there will be less inflammation, less pain, and less discomfort.
- Finally, your scars also will be significantly smaller. Smaller incisions mean smaller scars.
The most important benefit of them all is that the reduced trauma from a minimally invasive procedure reduces future spine surgical episodes.
WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE USED DURING MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is much more of a philosophy instead of a specific approach. Whether we are approaching your spine from the back, the front, or the side, the goal is to minimize the amount of trauma to your back. By doing so, we reduce your risks, increase your benefits, and expedite the healing process. The goal of minimally invasive spine surgery is to provide you with the best outcome possible. By taking an evidence-based approach to minimally invasive spine surgery, it is possible to place every patient in the best position to achieve the greatest recovery.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MIS FROM THE MASTERS SPINE INSTITUTE
It is important for you to explore the benefits and drawbacks of every treatment option available to you, including surgery. If you believe that you may require spine surgery, you should learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery. That is where we can help you. At Masters Spine Institute, we have a tremendous amount of experience with minimally invasive spine surgery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!
