Spinal issues are common and were traditionally managed through open surgery. However, advancement in technology has made it possible to correct complications in your spinal joints and vertebral bones, and nerves without large incisions. You might gain from minimally invasive surgery in Ionia to manage spinal tumors, scoliosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal instability faster, safer, with reduced downtime. Specific techniques are employed to ensure reduced trauma to your soft tissues and muscles and reduce the chances of other potential risks. Here are some standard methods outlined for you. Have a look.
Use of Tubular Retractor
Unlike traditional surgery, which cuts directly to the muscles, the tubular retractor technique progressively dilates the soft tissues. Tubes are used to secure the muscles out of the way while your surgeon works through a small incision without exposing the vast area. In some cases, an endoscope or a microscope can be utilized to focus down the tube and guide your provider to perf the procedure through minimal access. The tube is removed once the operation is completed to allow the tissues to come back together. Incisions involved can be relatively small depending on the extent and type of procedure performed.
Placement of Screws and Rods
Some spinal complications may be well managed by placing rods and screws in the spine. While the traditional way of doing so involves extensive removal of tissues and muscles from the spine surface, technology has made it possible to place the instruments percutaneously. Your surgeon can place the rods and screws through tiny incisions without dissecting or cutting the underlying muscle. X-ray images guide the guide wires through the skin to the spinal vertebrae. The screws are inserted through the guidewires with temporary extenders that extend outside the skin for easy removal once they are done with the guiding role. Today, spinal instrumentation can be done more securely and accurately through spinal navigation and robots.
Direct Lateral Access Route
In many cases involving the lumbar spine, your surgeon can opt to approach your spine from the side. This technique causes reduced pain since limited muscle tissues are standing in the way. A tubular retractor is docked on the side of your spine to allow access to the spine bones and discs. The approach is typically taken on your left or right side.
Thoracoscopic Access Route
When you have issues within your thoracic spine, traditional surgery includes opening your chest through large incisions and may sometimes lead to the removal of a rib. But it is possible to access the area around your chest, lungs, and heart through a minimally invasive approach. Your provider employs the thoracoscopic access technique, which involves making multiple small incisions through which cameras and other working tools are inserted to facilitate the procedure.
Treatment Options Utilizing the MIS Techniques
Several treatment options for spinal complications employ minimally invasive surgery techniques. This includes discectomy for herniated disc, spinal decompression for spinal stenosis, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for recurrent disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis.
Learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery techniques by talking to the experts at Advanced Pain Solutions. Your provider will help you understand how you can gain from different styles depending on your spinal issue. You can also reach out through an online appointment.
