When you think of spinal cord operations, you might imagine a large incision that appears unpleasant and necessitates a lengthy and painful recovery. Fortunately, advancements in medicine and technology have made it possible to perform minimally invasive procedures that result in barely noticeable scars and significantly shorter recovery times. Minimally invasive spine surgery represents a significant advancement in the range of treatments available for patients suffering from spinal disorders.
Spine surgery that requires little to no invasive techniques is safe. However, when the surgeon's background and abilities are in doubt, the result might be unpredictable. You need the assistance of a skilled laser spine surgeon if you’re considering this type of operation to treat your spine issue. At LAMIS, we provide each patient with expert care and direction to ensure the best possible outcome from the operation that we perform. Get in touch if you need this kind of service in Oregon.
An Overview of Our Oregon Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
For the treatment of various spinal disorders, minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) is an option to traditional open surgical procedures. Since this kind of operation is done with tiny incisions, your tissues and muscles are not as badly damaged. During the MISS procedure, the medical professional will make tiny incisions and then place tubular retractors to create a tunnel-like access point in the problematic area. Then, to treat your spine, the physician can insert instruments through these minor incisions.
No matter what kind of problem you have, the goals of Oregon minimally invasive spine surgery include the following:
Decompression
The process of spinal decompression entails removing tissues that are compressing the spine's nerve structures. Bone fragments and herniated discs are common conditions that can result in compression.
Stabilization
Serious back and neck pain may result from irregular movement of several spinal segments. Reduced spine movement can be achieved with MISS.
MISS is used for many different types of procedures. Microdiscectomy, microlaminectomy, microdiscectomy, and foraminotomy, are all procedures that fall into this category. Many advantages come with minimally invasive spine surgery. The process is only appropriate for some, though.
See your neurosurgeon if you have severe back pain or any spine-related complications. The physician will suggest a practical course of action. When medication and therapy are not enough to treat your spinal condition, spine surgery is typically the last option.
Conditions Treated by An Oregon Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Small incisions, less discomfort, and possibly an outpatient procedure are all part of minimally invasive spine surgery. This process is used to treat several spinal conditions, such as:
Disc Degeneration
A degenerative disc disorder refers to a disorder that affects the intervertebral discs in the spine and develops gradually over time. This disorder, commonly found in older adults, occurs as the discs become less flexible and stiffer due to age-related changes in the body. Structural modifications usually cause herniation of the discs, which can be effectively treated with an Oregon minimally invasive spine surgery.
Disc Herniation
When the gel in the disc's inner core ruptures and penetrates the outer layer, the disc becomes herniated, also known as ruptured. Leakage of the gene may harm the discs as well as irritate and inflame the spinal nerves, which can result in excruciating back pain.
Sciatica
The word "sciatica" describes a wide range of signs that appear when the sciatic nerves get pinched. The sciatic nerves originate in the neck and pass through the leg and buttocks. One side of a person’s body is impacted by sciatica, which produces numbness and pain.
Spinal stenosis
This condition results from a narrowing of several nerve channels and the vertebral canal. The condition in question is often observed in the elderly and is characterized by tingling, pain, and numbness.
Deformities of the Spine
An abnormal curve in the spinal column that can vary in size and shape is known as a spinal deformity. At various spine points, the spine naturally curves in a normal manner. The curving, though, appears to be out of line with spinal anomalies and may impact balance and flexibility.
Spinal Infection
The majority of spinal infections occur after surgery. One of the many components of the spine that an infection may affect is the intervertebral discs. Should you suddenly become very painful and have not had any previous injuries, you might have an underlying spinal infection.
Fracture of Vertebral Compression
You may get a vertebral compression fracture if you have osteoporosis or have experienced spinal trauma. Abrupt pain is the primary symptom of a vertebral compression fracture and can be treated with Oregon minimally invasive spine surgery techniques.
Spondylolisthesis
When a single vertebra slides across the one below it, spondylolisthesis occurs. The degree of the slide determines how severe the issue is.
Procedure for Oregon Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
To access the spine, your muscles need to move as the spinal nerves, vertebrae, and discs are located deep within your body. Your surgeon will streamline the process by creating small cuts and guiding the surgical tools through them.
During minimally invasive procedures, several techniques can be used to minimize trauma:
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Using Retractable Tubing
This method entails gradual dilation of the back tissues to penetrate your muscles. To keep the muscle above the spinal column, your surgeon will use tubes. For easier access, the surgeon may occasionally use an endoscope that focuses on the tube. When the procedure is finished, the retractors are taken out, allowing the body tissues to reposition themselves normally.
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Routes Giving Direct Lateral Access
The surgeon races your spine through the side of the body in lumbar spine cases in an attempt to reduce pain. The surgeon accesses your spine through the side with less muscle blockage during this procedure. The patient is placed on their side for this procedure.
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Setting Up The Screws And Rods
The positioning of devices like rods and screws stabilizes the spinal column and promotes bone fusion, depending on the individual's condition. Conventional methods for screw placement might necessitate significant interference with the spinal muscles. With Oregon minimally invasive spine surgery, the underlying muscles are not removed. Instead, the screws or rods are placed through the tiny incisions. Guiding wires are inserted through the skin into the spinal vertebrae using an X-ray. The temporary guide wires are taken out after the screws are inserted.
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Access Points For Thoracic Surgery
It could make sense to access the spinal column via the front side of a patient’s thorax, depending on his or her health. Several ribs may need to be removed during traditional spine operation, which opens the chest through small incisions. However, tiny incisions are necessary for the insertion of cameras during minimally invasive spine surgery via the thorax.
Advantages of Using Oregon Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Most people never imagine that they could require spine surgery, but it is a possibility. Although any type of operation has its issues, spine surgery is particularly challenging. The results of a spine operation could impact your life and health in the long run. Fortunately, people with spinal problems now have more options, thanks to advances in medical technology. A newer trend that is thought to be more practical than open spine operation is minimally invasive spine surgery.
Should spine surgery be on your radar, you might want to find out if a minimally invasive spine surgery is a suitable choice. Some advantages of having minimally invasive spine surgery include the following:
Aesthetically Appealing
Some individuals choose MISS for cosmetic reasons in addition to the health-related advantages it provides. With fewer incisions, you can expect fewer scars on the back. Following the standard procedure, you might have scars that require additional care to get rid of.
Low Risk
Minimally invasive spine surgery is less risky than traditional spine surgery. Small incisions are made during this kind of surgery as opposed to large openings during open surgery. These factors reduce the chance of getting infected and loss of blood. Furthermore, there's less damage to muscles because of the limited intrusions.
Easier Recovery
Nobody desires to stay in a hospital for an extended period. Some spine surgeries involving minimally invasive techniques are done as outpatient operations. Recovery occurs more quickly and with fewer restrictions overall with this kind of treatment. Minimally invasive surgery will be easy for you if you have concerns about the pain after spine surgery.
Reduced Anesthesia
Anesthesia-related allergies are among the frequent side effects of spine surgery. Thankfully, because an Oregon minimally invasive spine surgery involves fewer and smaller incisions, less anesthesia is needed. This explains why anesthesia-related issues are less common.
Less Traumatic
You will probably feel some trauma after surgery, especially if it involves sensitive areas of the body such as the spine. After undergoing a traditional spinal procedure, you need to recuperate not only from the illness of your spine but also from the damage to your muscles and tissues. On the other hand, you won't have to stress about discomfort or further issues brought on by damaged muscles if you're considering a minimally invasive spine surgery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Complications
Surgery on the spinal column is a highly sensitive subject. It would therefore be prudent to go over the alternatives with your medical professional before undergoing the surgery. Despite being a low-risk process, minimally invasive spine surgery can result in the following issues:
- Infections. The physician will recommend taking antibiotics both after and before the procedure to avoid infections at the site of the incision.
- Severe hemorrhaging. While some bleeding is inevitable during any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following MISS could be a sign of concern.
- Resurgence of symptoms. Occasionally, the operation might not work. This can result in the return of the initial symptoms.
- Damage to nerves. Even with the minor cuts and careful planning that went into minimally invasive spine surgery, nerve damage could still occur.
- Pain around the graft region. Although rare, some patients report persistent pain at the site of the surgery.
- Requirement for additional operation. You might require additional surgery to resolve your spinal issue if the Oregon minimally invasive spine surgery is unable to address it completely.
Spine Care After Surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery shortens recovery time due to small incisions. Your spine's surrounding muscles will heal more quickly because, in contrast to open spine operations, they will stay intact. Since minimally invasive procedures do not affect the muscles of the spine, your recuperation will be less complicated. It will take you up to 3 days to fully recover and you might need physical therapy to get your range of motion back.
When you get home from the procedure, you might have some minor soreness and pain where the incision was made. But with time and with the right attention and medication, the pain would subside. You must recover fully from the surgery before engaging in strenuous activity again. To expedite your recovery after spine surgery, your physician might suggest physical therapy. You will learn exercises from a therapist that will build stability and strength in the back muscles.
Things to Consider Before Choosing an Oregon Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon
Choose an Oregon minimally invasive spine surgery facility that uses a team approach to treatment if you want the best surgical outcomes for your back or spine pain issue. Surgeons who use minimally invasive techniques need to be extremely knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced. It is important to note that surgeons should not be the only members of the surgical team.
Pain psychologists, general neurologists, surgeons, physical medicine specialists, interventionalists (who treat the psychological and physical components of spine conditions), and rehabilitation doctors make up a great spine healthcare provider team. Do not be afraid to inquire about a step-by-step plan for maintaining the health of your spine. Do not be afraid to ask the surgical team about the number of previous surgeries they have performed and the outcomes if you are going to need surgery.
Find an Oregon Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Center Near Me
Before choosing to undergo Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS), it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of all available procedures. You should also consider the procedure that most suits your specific condition. While MISS is highly effective and appropriate for treating the majority of spine conditions, in some cases it may not be the best option, and could even worsen the situation.
If you are unsure about which course of action to take, it is recommended to consult with an experienced spine surgeon first. At LAMIS, we provide quality spine surgery services, consultations included, in Oregon. We work hard to get the best result for your spine and back condition. Give us a call at 310-734-6088 if you have any spine-related conditions.
