Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a type of surgery performed through several small incisions (less than I inch), or puncture sites. An endoscope - a thin, lighted tube with an attached camera - and surgical instruments are passed through these incisions. The endoscope enables the surgeon to view the problem area on a monitor without having to make a large incision.

By performing the operation through small incisions, the surgeon can safely work on the
spine while disturbing minimal tissue. As a result, patients are less likely to develop complications. They also recover more quickly and can return to normal activities sooner. Many of these procedures can be performed as outpatient surgery. Controlled studies have proven that these procedures are safe, very successful, and cost effective.

Currently, minimally invasive spinal surgery is used to treat herniated disks, spinal stenosis, and spinal deformity. A minimally invasive technique also can be used for spinal fusion surgery.