Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: A Path to Quick Recovery
Minimally invasive spinal surgery is a general heading for any technology that reduces the incision length, and/or impact on the patient of a given procedure.
Minimally invasive spinal surgery encompasses various approaches designed to enhance patient outcomes, including:
- Percutaneous techniques: Percutaneous procedures involve very small incisions, often just a few millimeters in size, typically made through the skin and strategically placed to access the targeted spinal area.
- Porthole access: This technique creates a discreet opening, akin to a “window,” to access specific spinal areas, maintaining tissue integrity while facilitating surgical precision.
- Mini-Open techniques: Characterized by smaller incisions, mini-open procedures minimize disruption to surrounding tissues, promoting a swifter recovery and less postoperative discomfort.
- Standard Open Procedures with Reduced Impact: Even in cases where standard incisions are required, Dr. Jenkins prioritizes minimal tissue damage, resection, and removal to accelerate the healing process.
Conditions That Can Be Helped by Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery?
- Herniated Discs: Herniated discs occur when the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures through the tough outer layer. Minimally invasive techniques as part of our herniated disc treatment can be used to remove or repair the damaged portion of the disc, relieving pressure on nearby nerves and reducing pain.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Our cervical spinal stenosis treatment may be necessary for those experiencing narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness. Minimally invasive procedures can help decompress the spinal canal and alleviate symptoms.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As discs in the spine wear down over time, they can lead to pain and reduced mobility. Minimally invasive procedures as part of our degenerative disc treatment, such as disc replacement or spinal fusion, can address this condition by stabilizing or replacing damaged discs.
- Spinal Tumors: Some benign or cancerous tumors in the spine may require surgical intervention. Minimally invasive techniques can be used for tissue biopsy, tumor removal, or cyst drainage, reducing the impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Is Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Right for Me?
Because minimally invasive spine surgery techniques involve very small incisions and limited blood loss and tissue damage, recovery is relatively fast. It is often an outpatient procedure in which many patients can return home the same day they have their procedure.
However, more extensive spinal conditions, such as herniation and bone spurs, may necessitate an overnight stay for close monitoring. Regardless of the procedure’s scope, patients must follow postoperative guidelines, which may include avoiding strenuous exercises, bending, twisting motions, and heavy lifting for several weeks. Dr. Jenkins will provide detailed guidance on what to expect during the recovery period, ensuring that you can plan accordingly.
Am I A Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery?
Many patients want relief from their painful symptoms but also want the treatment to have the fastest recovery time possible. One of the key advantages of minimally invasive spinal surgery is the rapid recovery it offers. Due to the small incisions and limited tissue damage associated with these techniques, many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Dr. Jenkins will consider a patient’s history, overall condition, and the severity and duration of their symptoms to come up with a unique treatment strategy for each patient. If your diagnosis lends itself to using minimally invasive techniques, that’s what Dr. Jenkins will recommend.