What To Expect From Spinal Procedures That Are Minimally Invasive
If you have a problem with your spine, your physician may provide you with corrective options, including surgical treatments. People who suffer from spinal conditions, such as scoliosis, spinal compression, or herniated discs, may experience relief from their discomfort by having the condition of their spine surgically corrected.
Traditional spinal surgeries involved large incisions to grant the surgeon access to the spine. The muscles and skin covering the area of the correction needed to be cut and moved to the side in order for the surgeon to perform the procedures. Due to the invasive nature of an open spinal procedure, the patient may expect lengthy rehabilitation periods and a painful recovery.
Nowadays, spinal surgery can also be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Here is a bit of information about minimally invasive spinal procedures and what you can expect from them.
They May Still Require the Use of a Scalpel
A minimally invasive procedure may still involve the cutting of skin and muscle tissue. However, the cuts are generally much smaller than they are with traditional open spine surgery procedures.
The small cuts allow the insertion of cameras and instruments that will be used to perform the procedure. Still, even though the cuts are present, their minimal size permits the tissues to heal faster and with less pain.
They Don't Work for Every Condition
Minimally invasive spinal procedures are often available to correct a spinal condition. However, there are cases in which a minimally invasive procedure is not possible. If a large spinal tumor is present, the surgeon may only be able to access and remove the growth using an open surgical method.
Minimally Invasive Does Not Always Include the Use of Lasers
Sometimes, when a patient hears the term "minimally invasive," they assume that the procedure will involve the use of lasers. Laser surgery is a type of minimally invasive spinal surgery, but it is uncommon. Typical spinal procedures that are minimally invasive simply use smaller incisions and the assistance of scope-like instruments that can be manipulated from outside the body.
Minimally Invasive Does Not Mean Less Effective
Minimally invasive procedures are just as effective as their open counterparts. Thus, patients who receive less invasive forms of treatment should not feel that their procedure is inferior to other options.
To learn more about minimally invasive spinal procedures, schedule a consultation with a spine physician in your local area for information.
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