Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is an operation that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to access the spine. MISS techniques have revolutionized spine surgery, offering patients less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries. These surgeries involve smaller incisions, improving healing time and decreasing the risk of infection. If you consider spine surgery, a specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery Frisco may recommend a minimally invasive procedure. This article will cover some of the most common conditions they can help treat.
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Herniated Discs
One of the most common reasons for MISS is to treat a herniated disc. This occurs when the jelly-like center ruptures through its more rigid outer layer. This can pressure the spinal cord or surrounding nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
A herniated disc can happen due to natural wear and tear, but it is also more likely to occur if you have a heavy lifting job or suffer from obesity.
MISS can be used to remove the herniated portion of the disc and relieve pressure on the nerves. The surgeon will make a small incision in your back and insert a tiny camera called a microdiscectomy. Once they have located the herniated disc, they will remove it through this same incision. This procedure usually takes less than an hour, and most people can go home the same day.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes the narrowing of the spinal canal. This can happen due to aging, wear and tear, or growths on the spine. When the spinal canal narrows, it can pressure the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or arms.
Spinal stenosis is treated with MISS by widening the spinal canal. The surgeon will make a small incision in your back and insert a tiny camera. Once they have located the area of stenosis, they will remove any bone or tissue causing the narrowing. This procedure usually takes less than an hour, and most people can go home the same day.
Foraminotomy
The foramen are the openings between the vertebrae through which nerves pass. If these openings become narrowed, it is called foraminal stenosis. This can happen due to aging, wear and tear, or growths on the spine. When the foramen is narrowed, it can put pressure on the nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or arms.
Foraminotomy is a MISS procedure used to widen the foramen. The surgeon will make a small incision in your back and insert a tiny camera. Once they have located the area of stenosis, they will remove any bone or tissue causing the narrowing. This procedure usually takes less than an hour, and most people can go home the same day.
To summarize, MISS is a type of spine surgery that uses small incisions and specialized instruments. It can treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis. MISS offers many benefits over traditional spine surgery, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recoveries. If you are considering spine surgery, ask your surgeon if a minimally invasive procedure is correct for you.
