What’s the best way to repair acute back injuries or ongoing spinal conditions? Spine surgeons base their decisions on a number of factors. Thankfully, many needed surgeries are minimally invasive. In this blog, read about how a spine surgeon develops a care plan and how doctor and patient decide if a minimally invasive surgery is the right choice.
What Are Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries?
Minimally invasive spine surgeries are procedures involving small incisions and special, miniature tools to repair problems with the spinal column. Unlike traditional open surgeries, these state-of-the-art procedures reduce damage to healthy tissues and have shorter recovery times for patients.
Why Do Surgeons and Patients Choose Minimally Invasive Surgeries?
The decision to have any surgical procedure cannot be taken lightly. However, minimally invasive spine surgeries offer several benefits. These advantages make them appealing choices for both spine doctors and their patients.
The benefits of minimally invasive spinal surgeries include the following.
Reduced Surgical Risks
With smaller incisions and less handling of tissues, there is a lower risk of complications. Examples are fewer chances of infection or excessive bleeding after surgery.
Quicker Recovery Times
Due to less tissue disruption during the minimally invasive surgery, a patient usually heals more quickly. The individual can return to daily activities at work and at home in just weeks to months. Traditional open surgeries have longer periods of recovery–many times up to one year.
Smaller Incisions
Minimally invasive surgeries are purposefully performed using the smallest incisions possible. They require far fewer sutures (stitches). Therefore, patients heal more quickly.
Less Postoperative Pain
After their procedures, patients have a lot less pain than with traditional spine surgeries. Plus, patients rely on less pain medication during recovery.
Lower Risk of Postoperative Complications
With traditional spine surgeries, there is a higher risk for complications such as infection or excessive bleeding. However, minimally invasive spine surgeries greatly reduce these problems.
This advantage gives patients peace of mind. They can focus on their recovery without worrying about potential problems.
What Are Some Examples of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries?
Examples of minimally invasive spine surgeries include microdiscectomy, kyphoplasty, and lumbar fusion.
Microdiscectomy, or lumbar decompression, removes a small portion of an intervertebral disc (or cushion between spinal bones). The problem disc presses on a spinal nerve, which can cause pain, muscle weakness, and other symptoms. Microdiscectomy can relieve pain and improve movement without large incisions or cutting through muscles.
Kyphoplasty is a procedure in which the surgeon places bone cement within a compressed, fractured or degraded vertebra. Kyphoplasty relieves pain and restores the size and strength of a bone within the spinal column. Kyphoplasty usually focuses on the lower back, or lumbar region of the spine.
Lumbar fusion is a more complex minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon connects two vertebrae into one unit to stabilize the spine. The spine surgeon may use special screws and rods or a bone graft to hold the vertebrae together.
As the vertebrae heal, they form a single, solid bone. This procedure can relieve chronic back pain and improve the stability and strength of the spinal column.
How Does a Spine Surgeon Evaluate a Patient?
During assessments, spine surgeons review patient histories, do physical examinations and look carefully at realistic expectations for recovery. They also perform digital imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs. These tests create clear views of problem areas in the spine and surrounding areas of the back.
With findings in hand, the spine doctor can present treatment options to the patient. Both doctor and patient must feel confident in the details of the care plan. This collaborative approach produces the best therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction, too.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery
Minimally invasive spine surgeries have revolutionized treatment for a variety of spinal conditions. At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we have three board-certified surgeons on staff: Dr. Michael Rauzzino, Dr. Kevin L. Boyer, Dr. Bradley Duhon, and Dr. Edward Szuszczewicz. Dr. David Mann is board eligible and has 8 years of experience in neurological surgery.
For your convenience, we have offices in five locations: Lone Tree, Parker, Colorado Springs and Castle Rock–Trail Boss Drive and Castle Rock–Limelight Avenue, CO. The Denver Hip & Knee clinic serves hip and lower extremity needs.
Contact our office team today to arrange your personalized spine consultation. Call (303) 790-1800 or request your appointment by completing our online form.
We are here to serve you in providing cutting edge, patient-centered care. Contact us today to learn all about minimally invasive spine surgeries.
