Minimally invasive spine surgery employs special techniques and tools that enable surgeons to perform operations through smaller incisions. In general smaller incisions mean less post-operative pain and quicker recovery times. With the advent of special retractor systems and techniques of placing spinal instrumentation through the skin using x-ray guidance, a variety of spine surgeries can be performed with less surgical trauma.
Who Is a Candidate For Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
While many disorders of the spine can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, minimally invasive spine surgery may not be the best choice for all patients. Candidates for minimally invasive spine surgery must be carefully chosen on a case by case basis. Careful review of the patient’s symptoms and imaging findings is needed to match the proper surgical technique with the proper patient.