Spine surgery is typically recommended only when a period of nonsurgical treatment such as medications and physical therapy has not relieved the painful symptoms caused by back problem. Surgery is only considered if spine surgeon can pinpoint the exact source of pain.
FAQ's
WHAT IS MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINAL SURGERY (MISS)?
Spine surgery is traditionally done as “open surgery,” meaning the area to be operated on is opened with a long incision to allow the surgeon to view and access the anatomy. However, technological advances have allowed more back and neck conditions to be treated with a minimally access surgical technique (MAST) or minimaly invasive spinal surgery (MISS).
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MINI- MALLY INVASIVE SPINAL SURGERY?
As opposed to open spine surgery, minimally invasive surgical approaches can be faster, safer and require less recovery time. Because of the reduced trauma to the muscles and soft tissues the potential benefits are:
- Better cosmetic results from smaller skin incisions (sometimes as small as 2 centimeters).
- Less blood loss from surgery.
- Reduced risk of muscle damage since less or no cutting of the muscle is required.
- Reduced risk of infection and postoperative pain.
- Faster recovery from surgery and less rehabilitation required.
- Decreased requirement of pain medications after surgery.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS TREATED USING MIS PROCEDURES?
Minimally access techniques are beginning to be used for a wider range of spine procedures, and have been used for common procedures like decompression and spinal fusion spinal fusion corrects problems with the small bones of the spine (vertebrae). The basic idea is to fusetogether the painful vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. Below are some conditions where MIS is recommended:
- Herniated Disc.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
- Spinal Infections.
- Spinal Instability.
- Lumber Spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral Compression Fractures.
- Spinal Tumors.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON MIS-SURGERY TREATMENT OPTIONS?
A number of specific techniques have been used for MIS surgery. Some of the most common options are: MISS-MED (Micro-endoscopic decompression) Spinal discs are essentially elastic rings with soft material inside that serve as cushions between the vertebral bones. If the elastic ring becomes incompetent or weak ened, the soft tissue inside can extrude – or herniate – outside of the elastic ring. In such scenarios, it may be possible to perform this procedure with MIS surgery using tubular dilators and a microscope or endoscope.
MISS – Over the top Spinal decompression: Spinal stenosis is a condition that can result in compression of the nerves. This can produce a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness and muscle weakness. It may be possible to remove the bone and soft tissues causing the nerve compression through an MIS approach using tubular dilators and a microscope or endoscope.
MISS – Over the top Spinal decompression: Spinal stenosis is a condition that can result in compression of the nerves. This can produce a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness and muscle weakness. It may be possible to remove the bone and soft tissues causing the nerve compression through an MIS approach using tubular dilators and a microscope or endoscope.
MIS-TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion : This technique is performed in patients with refractory mechanical low back and radicular pain associated with spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease and recurrent disc herniation.
MISS Percutaneous placement of screws and rods: Depending on the condition of the patient, it may be necessary to place instrumentation, such as rods and screws, to stabilize the spine or to immobilize the spine to facilitate fusion of the spinal bones.
MISS Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: This is a procedure designed to enlarge to space through which the nerve root exits from the cervical spinal cord and at the same time try to remove any piece of disc which is pushing on the nerve.
Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCF) of the spine. These painful, wedge-shaped fractures can be caused by osteoporosis and injury. By restoring the vertebra height with a balloon and injecting cement into the fractured bone, patients can recover faster and reduce the risk of future fractures.
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are similar procedures. Both are performed through a hollow needle that is passed through the skin of your back into the fractured vertebra. In vertebroplasty, bone cement (called polymethylmethacrylate) is injected through the hollow needle into the fractured bone.. The procedures are repeated for each affected vertebra. The cement-strengthened vertebra allows you to stand straight, reduces your pain, and prevents further fractures
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF MISS COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL, OPEN SURGERY?
Minimally invasive spine surgery holds significant promise, in terms of less pain and more rapid recovery. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is relatively new technology, and all new techniques are associated with some degree of uncertainty. Furthermore, certain minimally invasive techniques are highly technical and require significant training, and in cases where there is a lack of training, complications may occur. Such complications can include inadequate decompression, nerve injury, infection or persisten pain. However, these are all risks that are associated with open surgery as well. Occasionally, due to the complexity and technical challenges of minimally invasive surgery, the surgeries may take a longer period of time to complete