Minimally invasive spine surgery and its benefits over the previous standard techniques

For over many years (lumbar spine) surgery was pernicious to structures of the spine while at the same time attempting to amend disorders of the spine. To decompress nerves and remove bone spurs, herniated discs, cysts, and thickened ligaments that compress the nerves, muscle were dissected off of the vertebrae extensively. This caused damage and scarring to the muscles, and disruption to tendons at extensive times. The spine was weakened because ligaments holding the vertebrae together had to be removed. Spine sizable portions of the vertebral bone, and also considering portions of the joints, were to be removed in order to gain access into the spine. This can expose the nerves to scar tissue and weaken the spine that could result in further compression and irritation of nerves.

These disruptive techniques were also utilized in order to stabilize the spine when necessary. These previously standard techniques need to be utilized at some occasions. Techniques that are far less destructive and traumatic to the tissues of the spine have been developed. Less trauma and damage to muscles, ligaments and joints as well as the bones of the spine, tendons can be reduced with the help of minimally invasive surgery. It also allows for less damage to any other surrounding tissues.

Via tubular channels the spine is able to be entered through incisions and endoscopes by a camera placed in the tube or with a high-power microscope visualizing directly through the tube. These devices connected to cameras. The surgeon can visualize the procedure with the help of these. Muscle fibers are separated rather than cut and can retrieve their normal position after the instruments have been removed. The patient experiences less pain and scarring with the help of this surgery.

A very limited amount of bone and ligament is resected and at times none needs to be removed. The scarring is very little. Damaged discs can be removed through very small openings into the disc. Artificial discs can be inserted to replace damaged discs via small abdominal incisions precluding any damage to the tendons, bones, muscles, and ligaments of the spine. It is also now possible to remove a damaged disc and replace it with an interbody device through a small incision in the flank, and avoiding any momentous damage to the bone, muscles, and ligaments of the spine.

Specialists involved:
Treating patients that require this surgery involve many specialists and they are:
• Orthopedic surgeons
• Nurses
• Neurosurgeons
• Diagnostic imaging staff
• Physical therapists
• Pain management physicians

The spinal disorders for which minimally invasive spine surgery is available:

The surgery is available for number of spine disorders and these include:
• Herniated discs
• Spondylosis
• Degenerative spinal disease
• Post-laminectomy syndrome
• Stenosis
• Tumors
• Kyphosis
• Scoliosis
• Pseudoarthrosis
• Fractures
• Spinal instability
• Osteomyelitis /discitis
• Injuries to the spinal colum

Benefits:
Minimally invasive spine surgery allows for faster recovery. The patients can go home the same day of surgery. Loss of blood is greatly reduced and the overall stress on the body is less pronounced. The infection risk is also lowered. There are also less visible scars. Deleterious effects of spine surgery are minimized with less damage to tissues of the spine.