Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery vs Traditional Spine Surgery: A Comparative Guide

Over the years, traditional, open spine surgery has been the standard of care for many patients who require surgical intervention. It is a generally safe and effective way of treating many spinal issues, especially conditions such as scoliosis with severe curvature. But less invasive surgical techniques have advanced, making some wonder what the differences between minimally invasive and traditional spine surgery truly are, and which type of procedure is right for them.

The purpose of this blog post is to explore the answers to these questions so that you can make an informed decision about your spine condition. This is not intended to be medical advice, rather, it is intended to provide general information.

With that said, let’s explore how minimally invasive spine surgery, or “MISS” for short, and open spine surgery compare.

What is “Traditional” Spine Surgery?

Spine surgery has traditionally been an “open surgery.”

In this type of procedure, the area of the spine requiring rehabilitation is opened with an incision that lets the surgeon view and access the area to be operated on.

Traditional spine surgery has been and continues to be a recognized method of correcting issues of the spine, particularly those that can’t be corrected with less invasive methods.

What’s more, traditional surgery is not conclusively superior to MISS  for certain conditions.

What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a modern approach to spine surgery that utilizes much smaller incisions and a lot less disruption to the body.

Instead of “opening someone up”, surgeons use specialized tools and imaging technology to precisely target the problem area. This means less cutting, less bleeding, and a faster recovery for patients.

Think of MISS as taking a keyhole approach to fixing your spine, where the goal is the same as traditional surgery, but the procedure is less involved.

Also noteworthy is the fact that MISS is an outpatient procedure.

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

There are several types of minimally invasive spine surgery , including the following:

• Microdiscectomy
• Spinal fusion
• Laminotomy/foraminotomy
• Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS)

ESS stands out for those who are good candidates because it is an ultra-minimally invasive procedure.

How Do Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Spine Surgery Differ?

When compared to traditional spine surgery, minimally invasive surgery is characterized by:

• Much Smaller Incisions: This also means smaller scars.
• Less Blood Loss: The need for blood transfusion is greatly reduced.
• Faster Recovery: Get back on your feet (or to work) sooner, decreased risk of infections.

In a nutshell, minimally invasive surgery often allows patients to return to their normal life with less pain and fewer complications than traditional surgery would. The catch is that while minimally invasive spine surgery is an option for many, not everyone is a good candidate.

Who is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Spine Surgery?

Most people are good candidates for MISS, but not everyone is. Here are some of the factors that ultimately influence whether or not you could be a good candidate:

• Severity of Your Spinal Condition: While minimally invasive surgery is great for many problems like herniated discs and spinal stenosis, some complex conditions might require traditional open surgery for the best outcome.
• Medical History: Factors like obesity or diabetes can sometimes make minimally invasive surgery a bit riskier, so your overall health is important.
• Spinal Anatomy: The unique shape of your spine and the exact location of the problem can influence whether a minimally invasive approach is possible.
• Surgeon’s Expertise: Minimally invasive procedures require specialized skills, so it’s crucial to find a surgeon with plenty of experience in these techniques.

Ultimately, you should always consult a knowledgeable spine surgeon to get individualized answers and medical advice.

Learn More About Whether MISS is Right for You

If you’d like to learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery as an alternative to traditional surgery, head to this resource on minimally invasive surgery.

If you’re still wondering if MISS is the right procedure for your specific situation, contact Dr. Baig for a health assessment.