Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

Like most other forms of minimally invasive surgery, MISS is conducted using small incisions to access the area that needs to be treated. Rather than making a single large incision, the smaller incisions take less time to heal, reduce recovery windows and decrease complications.

The use of minimally invasive spine surgical techniques is made possible through the development of small instruments that can be inserted through the incisions. These endoscopic instruments have video cameras and small tools that allow the surgeon to not only see the operating environment with tremendous detail, but perform exacting surgeries that weren’t possible before.

Why is minimally invasive spine surgery necessary?

The use of minimally invasive spine surgery has revolutionized the treatment of spinal issues, from scoliosis to herniated disks. Before MISS was developed, surgeons had to perform spinal surgeries using complex and often risky open procedures. These surgeries required that the back muscles be moved away from the point of the surgery, which caused additional pain and significantly delayed the patient’s return to normal activities. To address post surgery pain, significant pain medication had to be administered and they had serious side effects of their own. Invasive techniques also caused the muscles to lose their strength in the years following surgery because key nerve connections were interrupted or even severed during the operation.

Minimally invasive spin surgery virtually eliminates these issues. It also reduces the loss of blood, the onset of fusion disease and complications from open surgery, including infection.

Just a decade ago, spine surgery meant that you could expect it to take up to a year to be able to return to your normal routine. With MISS, your recovery time is just a few months, a vast improvement and one that gets you back on your feet sooner with fewer complications.

What can I expect after surgery?

Every patient is different so you’ll want to follow the instructions your doctor gives you carefully. While you may feel pretty good after your surgery, you may still have to take it easy to prevent complications or setbacks in your recovery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a very safe surgical option, certainly when compared to open spine surgery. As always, you’ll want to speak with your doctor at the Celebration Health Spine Center to discuss this procedure along with its associated benefits and risks.