Virginia

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is a procedure used to operate on the bones that make up your spine, also known as the backbone. Unlike open surgery, which involves a lengthy incision down the back, minimally invasive procedures require smaller incisions. This approach allows the surgeon to avoid removing or extensively moving the soft tissues and muscles associated with the spine.

During minimally invasive surgery, small incisions are made, resulting in less damage to the surrounding muscles and tissues compared to open surgery. This approach offers a shorter recovery period and reduces discomfort, especially compared to traditional spine surgery. If you’re looking for a reputable Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery doctor, you can contact the LAMIS Institute.

An Overview of Virginia Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

MISS offers an alternative to open surgical methods for treating various spinal conditions. This approach involves making small incisions, which results in less damage to your muscles and tissues. During a MISS procedure, a medical practitioner will make a tiny incision and insert retractor tubing to create an access point at the affected area.

Through these small incisions, the doctor can then use specialized devices to address and correct issues with your spinal column. The objectives of Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery are as follows, regardless of the type of issue you may have:

Stabilization

When several spinal segments move irregularly, it can lead to severe neck and back pain. However, with minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), there can be less movement in the spine, potentially reducing pain and discomfort.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is employed in a wide range of processes, including foraminotomy, microdiscectomy, microlaminectomy, and more. This technique offers numerous benefits, but it is important to note that it is only suitable for certain individuals.

Decompression

Spinal decompression involves removing body tissues that compress the nerve structures in the spine. Compression can be caused by common disorders like herniated discs and broken bones.

If you are experiencing serious backache or any other issues related to the spine, it is advisable to consult with a neurosurgeon. The doctor will assess your condition and recommend a suitable plan of action. Spine surgery is considered as a last resort when other treatment options such as therapy and medication have proven ineffective in addressing your spinal issue.

Conditions That Can Be Treated by Virginia Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

MISS involves smaller incisions, reduced discomfort, and the possibility of an outpatient operation. This process can effectively treat various spinal problems. These conditions include the following:

Disc Degeneration

Disc degenerative disorder is a condition that develops gradually and affects the spine’s intervertebral discs. It is more commonly observed in older individuals and is caused by the body’s age-related modifications, resulting in decreased flexibility and increased stiffness of the spinal discs. While disc herniation is often linked to structural changes, it could be effectively corrected through Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery.

Sciatica

"Sciatica" refers to a range of symptoms that occur when sciatic nerves get compressed. The nerves run from the neck down through the buttocks and legs. Sciatica typically affects one side of the body, causing pain and numbness in that area.

Disc Herniation

Discs that rupture or herniate are caused by the gel-like substance in the inner core of the disc rupturing and penetrating the outermost layer. This leakage can lead to severe back pain as it irritates and inflames the nerves, causing damage to the discs in the process.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal and several channels of the spinal nerve. It is commonly observed in elderly individuals and is distinguished by symptoms such as numbness, discomfort, and tingling.

Spinal Deformities

Spinal deformities are characterized by irregular curves in the spine, which could vary in form, shape, and size. While the spinal column curves in specific areas, these curves may become inconsistent and abnormal in cases of spinal abnormalities. This can have an impact on flexibility and balance.

Fracture of Vertebral Compression

If you’ve suffered spinal trauma or osteoporosis, there is a risk of developing a vertebral compression fracture. The main indicator of a spinal compression fracture is sudden pain, which can be effectively managed with a Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery method available.

Spinal Infection

Most infections can occur after an operation, and they can affect various parts of the spinal column, including the spine’s intervertebral discs. If you are experiencing sudden and severe pain without any history of injury, you may have a spinal infection.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when the vertebral discs slide across each other. The severity of this problem is determined by the nature of the slide.

Virginia Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Procedures

To reach the spinal column, your muscles must contract as the vertebrae, discs, and spinal nerves are situated deep within the body. During the procedure, your physician will make tiny incisions and carefully thread the surgical instruments through them to expedite the process.

To minimize trauma during surgery, various tactics can be employed:

• Using a Retractable Pipe

To effectively target your muscles, this technique involves a gradual dilation of your back tissues. Your surgeon would utilize tubes to support the muscles above the spine. In some cases, an endoscope may be used, focusing on the pipe for easier access. Once the treatment is complete, the retractable tubes are removed, allowing the body's tissues to realign themselves.

• Paths That Provide Direct Lateral Accessibility

In lumbar spine situations, the surgeon aims to minimize pain by accessing your spinal column through the body’s side. During this treatment, the surgeon approaches the side of your spine where there is less muscular blockage. For this operation, the individual is positioned on their side.

• Setting the Rods and Screws

Depending on the patient's condition, the placement of screws and rods stabilizes the spine and encourages bone fusion. However, traditional screw placement techniques often require alterations on the spine muscles.

There is no need to remove the underlying muscles with a Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery. Instead, the rods or screws are inserted through microscopic cuts. Guiding wires get placed through the patient’s skin and into the vertebrae using X-rays for guidance. Once the screws are in place, the interim guide wires are removed.

• Points Of Access For Thoracic Operation

Depending on the patient's condition, it may be appropriate to get through the spine through the front part of the thorax. In a typical spine operation, small incisions are made to expose the chest, and multiple ribs could require extraction. However, during minimally invasive spine surgery, small incisions are made to allow for the implantation of cameras through the thorax.

Benefits of Virginia Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

While spine surgery may not be something most people think about, it is indeed a possibility. Like any surgery, there are risks involved, and spine surgery can be particularly challenging. It's important to consider the potential long-term effects of spine surgery on your quality of life and overall health.

Fortunately, advancements in the medical field and technology have expanded the range of alternatives available to individuals with spinal disorders. One such alternative is MISS, which is considered a more sensible option compared to open spine surgery. If you are considering spine surgery, it is worth exploring whether MISS is the best option for you. There are several benefits to this approach, including:

Aesthetically Pleasing

In addition to its health benefits, some people choose MISS for aesthetic purposes as well. With few incisions, you could anticipate having fewer wounds on your back. While traditional surgery may result in scars that need extra care for removal, MISS can help minimize scarring.

Minimal Risk

Compared to standard spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery carries a lower risk. This type of surgery involves creating small incisions instead of large wounds seen in an open operation. These elements contribute to a reduced risk of infection and blood loss. Furthermore, the minimally invasive approach results in less muscle injury due to fewer invasions.

Easy To Recover

Nobody wants to spend a considerable amount of time in a clinic. Fortunately, outpatient procedures are available for a few minimally invasive spine surgeries. This type of treatment allows for a faster recovery and often fewer limitations. If you are concerned about pain after surgery, undergoing minimally invasive surgery is a viable option.

Reduced Level of Anesthesia

Allergies resulting from anesthesia are a common side effect of spinal surgery. Fortunately, a Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery requires less anesthesia due to smaller and fewer incisions. As a result, the frequency of anesthesia-related problems is lower.

Reduced Trauma

After undergoing surgery, it is common to experience some damage, especially if the procedure involves delicate parts of the human body, like the spine. Following a standard spinal treatment, you will need to recover from tissue and muscle damage, as well as the discomfort associated with spinal issues. However, if you are considering Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery, you can rest assured that you will not have to worry about pain or other complications caused by injured muscles.

Complications of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Spinal column surgery is an extremely delicate topic. Therefore, it would be wise to discuss your options with your physician before going through the operation. While minimally invasive spine surgery is a low-risk procedure, it is important to be aware of potential problems that may arise, including:

• To prevent infections at the incision site, the doctor will advise having antibiotics both before and after the treatment
• Excessive bleeding is a potential concern following any surgical operation, including MISS (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery). Although some bleeding is expected, severe bleeding should be taken seriously
• The symptoms may return over time. Occasionally, the procedure might not be successful, leading to the reappearance of the original symptoms
• Nerve injury is a potential risk even with the use of MISS, despite the small incisions and meticulous preparation involved
• Some individuals may experience soreness around the graft area following surgery. Although uncommon, there have been reports of ongoing pain at the surgical site
• If a Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery isn’t able to fully address your spinal issue, an additional procedure would be necessary

After-operation spine Care

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers shorter recuperation times due to smaller incisions. Unlike open spine surgery, this technique avoids cutting the surrounding muscles around your spine, allowing them to heal faster.

Additionally, minimally invasive techniques do not involve touching the muscles in your spine, so your recovery will be easier. Typically, recovery may take up to three days, and physical therapy may be necessary to restore range of motion.

After the treatment, it is possible to experience some pain and tenderness at the incision site. However, with proper care and medication, this discomfort will gradually subside. You should allow yourself sufficient time to recover before taking part in vigorous activities again.

Your physician may recommend physical therapy to speed your recovery from spine surgery. A therapist will guide you through exercises designed to strengthen and stabilize your back muscles.

Considerations for Selecting a Spine Surgeon

If you are seeking the most suitable surgical results for your spine or back pain, it is important to choose a Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery clinic that values a team-based approach to patient care. Minimally invasive surgery necessitates the expertise of highly qualified, and experienced surgeons. It is crucial to remember that the surgical team should consist of more than just surgeons.

A professional team of spine healthcare providers includes general neurologists, pain psychologists, physical medicine experts, surgeons, interventionalists (who address both the physical and psychological aspects of spine disorders), and rehabilitation physicians.

Please feel free to ask for information regarding a detailed plan to keep your spine healthy. If you are considering surgery, don't hesitate to inquire with the surgeon about their experience, including the number of prior procedures they have completed and the results achieved.

Find a Virginia Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Facility Near Me

Before deciding on MISS, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method. You can take into account the treatment that best suits your particular condition. While minimally invasive spine surgery is an ideal treatment option for the majority of spine disorders, it would not be an optimal choice in certain circumstances and could potentially exacerbate the situation.

If you are not sure about what steps to take, you can consult with a skilled spine surgeon. At LAMIS Institute, we offer exceptional spine operation services, including consultations. Our team of Virginia minimally invasive spine surgery doctors is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your back and spine, and we put in a great deal of effort to ensure your satisfaction. Call us today at 310-734-6088.