Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) represents a significant advancement in the treatment of spinal conditions. Traditional open spinal surgeries often involve large incisions, extensive muscle dissection, and prolonged recovery periods. However, with the advent of minimally invasive techniques, surgeons can now treat various spinal disorders with reduced trauma to the patient’s body.
Types of minimally invasive spinal surgery are:
Artificial discs are medical devices designed to mimic the natural discs in the spine. These discs are located between the vertebrae and act as cushions, allowing for flexibility and movement. When a disc becomes damaged due to age, injury, or disease, it can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and other complications. Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial one.
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive spinal surgeries, primarily used to treat herniated discs. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, compressing nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. This condition often affects the lumbar spine (lower back) but can also occur in the cervical (neck) region.
In a microdiscectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision, usually about an inch long, and uses specialized instruments to remove the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve. The procedure is performed under a microscope or with magnifying loupes, which provide a highly detailed view of the surgical site. One of the key benefits of microdiscectomy is the rapid recovery time compared to traditional open discectomy.
Spinal Fusion (Minimally Invasive)
Spinal fusion can increase the stress on adjacent segments of the spine, leading to degeneration of the discs above or below the fused area. This condition, known as adjacent segment disease (ASD), often requires further surgical intervention. Artificial discs, by preserving motion at the treated level, reduce the risk of adjacent segment degeneration, potentially preventing the need for additional surgeries.
They insert screws, rods, or plates to stabilize the affected vertebrae and often use bone grafts to facilitate the fusion process. The benefits of MISF include reduced blood loss, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open spinal fusion.
Laminectomy (Minimally Invasive)
Laminectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spinal tumours. In a traditional laminectomy, the surgeon removes part of the vertebra called the lamina to create more space within the spinal canal. This procedure can alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness that result from nerve compression.
Patients who undergo minimally invasive laminectomy generally experience less postoperative pain, a lower risk of complications, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to those who have traditional open laminectomy.
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures, which are often caused by osteoporosis or trauma. These fractures can lead to severe back pain, spinal deformity, and loss of height. Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty aim to stabilize the fractured vertebra, relieve pain, and restore spinal alignment.
Both procedures are typically performed under local anaesthesia and require only a short hospital stay. Patients often experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within days of the procedure. The minimally invasive nature of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty results in minimal scarring, a low risk of complications, and a quick return to daily activities.
Conclusion
Minimally invasive spinal surgery has revolutionized the treatment of various spinal conditions, offering patients options that are less traumatic, involve shorter recovery times, and have fewer risks compared to traditional open surgeries. Microdiscectomy, minimally invasive spinal fusion, minimally invasive laminectomy, and vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty are four of the most commonly performed procedures that demonstrate the benefits of these advanced surgical techniques. By opting for minimally invasive approaches, patients can achieve effective relief from their symptoms while minimizing the impact on their overall health and lifestyle.
