How Is Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Superior?

Posted on: 27 April 2020

Your spinal cord controls much of your body's ability to move. Your brain sends electrical impulses to the nerves in your spinal cord, which then tell the muscles in your body how to move. Spinal injuries can be devastating, but modern medicine has given doctors the tools to correct many spinal injuries surgically. Whenever possible, minimally invasive spine surgery should be preferred. It can lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects for patients. Here are four reasons minimally invasive spine procedures are superior to other types of surgery.

1. It can be used to treat a wide variety of injuries and conditions

Minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to treat many common spinal problems. If your doctor has found a tumor in your spine, it will need to be removed and biopsied. This task can be completed using minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive spine surgery can also be used to treat herniated discs, infections of the spine, and certain congenital deformities. Your doctor will let you know if you are a candidate for this type of surgery.

2. It will cause less tissue damage

During spine surgery, your surgeon's target is your spinal column. However, in order to access individual vertebra, your doctor will need to cut you open to expose the bone. Minimally invasive spine surgery uses the smallest incision possible. Instead of working on your spine using unaided visuals, your surgeon will work with the aid of a very small camera, which will be placed inside the incision. Tools designed for use in tight spaces will allow your doctor to work on your spine without damaging the surrounding muscles and nerves.

3. It is less likely to cause an infection

Surgeons take care to properly sterilize the surgical site before making an incision, and surgery is performed in a sterile environment. However, there is always a risk of infection whenever your skin is cut. The smaller incision created during a minimally invasive spine procedure is less likely to cause an infection. Since the wound is small, it is easier to clean, and there is less surface area to provide entry to bacteria.

4. It can provide faster, easier recovery

You'll experience some downtime after any type of surgery. However, minimally invasive spine procedures will make your recovery time as fast as possible. Since very little of your muscle is cut open during this surgery, you will experience less pain in the following days. You may not need opioid pain medication at all; if you do, you will likely be able to stop taking it sooner, which can lower your risk of developing dependence. Minimally invasive spine procedures can eliminate or reduce the need for rehab following surgery.

To learn more, find a surgery center like The Anand Spine Group.

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