Minimally invasive spine surgery is the latest technology available to perform spinal surgeries through small, less than one-inch-long incisions with the help of special surgical instruments, devices, and advanced imaging techniques. Dr. Brandon Lawrence is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon who specializes in the treatment of degenerative and traumatic conditions of the spine including disc degeneration and herniation, spinal stenosis, spinal deformity, spinal trauma, spinal tumors, and spinal infections. His primary clinical interests are cervical and lumbar spine disorders, complex spinal deformity reconstructive surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and microscopic spine surgery. He provides diagnosis and individualized operative treatment plans and highly specialized care during and after surgery for his patients in Salt Lake City, Utah. Contact Dr. Lawrence’s team for an appointment today!
What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is the latest technology available to perform spinal surgeries through small, less than one-inch-long incisions. It involves the use of special surgical instruments, devices and advanced imaging techniques to visualize and perform the surgery through such small incisions.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
MISS is aimed at minimizing damage to the muscles and surrounding structures. It possesses numerous benefits over the traditional spine surgery which include:
- Small surgery scars
- Reduced risk of infections
- Less blood loss during the surgery
- Less postoperative pain
- Quicker recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker return to work and normal activities
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Procedure
- Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed through small incisions. Segmental tubular retractors and dilators are then inserted through these small incisions to retract muscles and provide access to the spine by creating a working channel for the surgery.
- This minimizes the damage to the muscles and soft tissues and decreases the blood loss during the surgery. An endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions to provide images of the operation field on the monitor in the operation room.
- The surgery is performed with special surgical instruments passed through the working channel. Sometimes, surgical microscopes may also be used to magnify the visual field. The tissues fall back in place, as the various instruments are withdrawn. The incision is then closed and dressed.
Risk and Complications of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
The risks and complications of the surgery may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or spinal cord injury. Complications due to general anaesthesia may also occur.
If you would like to know more about different types of minimally invasive spine surgeries employed in the treatment of various spine disorders, please contact the office of Dr. Brandon Lawrence, board-certified spine surgeon serving the communities of Salt Lake City, Utah.