If you’ve been struggling with chronic back or neck pain, you may have to consider getting spine surgery. While it can take some time to recover from the more traditional option, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is an advanced approach by transforming spine care through shorter recovery times and improved outcomes.
But what exactly does it involve, and when should patients consider it? If you require surgery, ask your surgeon whether minimally invasive spine surgery is the right option for you.
Why might you need to get spine surgery?
Spine surgery is a medical procedure designed to correct problems in the spinal column that cause pain, nerve compression or structural instability. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones (vertebrae), discs, nerves and muscles – all of which work together to support movement and protect the spinal cord.
Patients might require spine surgery when:
- Nerve compression causes severe pain or weakness: Conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis can pinch nerves, leading to pain that radiates down the arms or legs.
- Spinal instability threatens mobility: Degenerative changes or trauma can make the spine unstable, requiring surgical stabilization.
- Structural deformities affect posture or function: Scoliosis or kyphosis may need correction to prevent worsening curvature.
- Non-surgical treatments fail: If physical therapy, medications or injections don’t provide relief, surgery may be the next step.
- Serious conditions like tumors or infections: These require surgical intervention to remove harmful tissue and protect the spinal cord.
The goal of spine surgery – whether traditional or minimally invasive – is to relieve pressure on nerves, stabilize the spine and restore function so patients can return to a pain-free, active life.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Unlike traditional open spine surgery, which requires large incisions and significant muscle disruption, minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to access the spine.
Surgeons often rely on advanced imaging, tubular retractors and sometimes robotic assistance to perform precise procedures through narrow corridors. This means:
- Less trauma to muscles and soft tissue
- Reduced blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Faster recovery and less postoperative pain
“In approaching patient care, my objective is always to alleviate pain and restore function,” says T. Barrett Sullivan, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon in our Richmond market. “Implementing minimally invasive techniques allows me to accomplish those goals with fewer and smaller incisions, reduced muscle trauma and often quicker mobilization and recovery. Seeing my patients experience those benefits makes my work all the more rewarding.”
What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery?
Spine surgery is a treatment option to address a wide range of spinal conditions. However, minimally invasive techniques can be used on many of these conditions, including:
- Herniated discs causing nerve compression
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal deformities like scoliosis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Spinal tumors
When should patients consider minimally invasive options?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments – such as physical therapy, medications or injections – fail to relieve symptoms. Here are some common scenarios:
- Persistent leg pain from a herniated disc: Procedures like microdiscectomy can relieve nerve pressure through a tiny incision.
- Spinal stenosis causing mobility issues: Decompression surgery can restore space for nerves without extensive tissue disruption.
- Spinal instability or deformity: Fusion techniques using minimally invasive techniques can stabilize the spine with minimal impact on surrounding muscles.
- Patients needing faster recovery: Athletes, military personnel or individuals with physically demanding jobs often benefit from a minimally invasive option because it allows a quicker return to activity.
Benefits of minimally invasive techniques
Minimally invasive spine surgery isn’t just about smaller scars – it’s about precision and preservation. By minimizing collateral damage, patients often experience:
- Shorter hospital stays (sometimes outpatient)
- Reduced reliance on pain medications
- Faster return to work and daily activities
“At Bon Secours, we aim to stay on the cutting edge of treatment,” Dr. Sullivan says. “That’s why we have a commitment to offering minimally and less invasive surgical approaches that leverage the most advanced technology to achieve the best results with the least surgical trauma possible.”
What to ask your surgeon
If you’re considering your spine surgery options, include questions like:
- Am I a candidate for minimally invasive techniques?
- What are the expected recovery times?
- How do you ensure safety during minimally invasive procedures?
Your surgeon can answer these questions to help you make informed decisions and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
“When developing a surgical treatment plan, there have historically been times when predictability of the result and speed of recovery are competing interests,” Dr. Sullivan says. “Utilizing modern, minimally invasive techniques helps us achieve one without having to sacrifice the other.”
How we can help
Minimally invasive spine surgery represents a major leap forward in spine care. While not every patient or condition is suitable for a minimally invasive procedure, for many, it offers a safer, faster and more effective alternative to traditional surgery.
Talk to your surgeon or a spine specialist to determine what options are right for you. They can consider your individual conditions in order to provide a personalized treatment plan.
Learn about the spine care services we offer at Bon Secours.
