Several spine conditions that once required open surgery are now treatable using minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), all thanks to technological advancements. With a reliable and skilled surgeon, MISS will offer similar results as open surgery but with a faster and smoother healing process. If you have a spine problem causing bothersome pain, consult a spine surgeon to know whether MISS could help fix the issue.
At LAMIS Institute, we understand how uncomfortable and bothersome spinal issues can be and are ready to explore all possible treatment options to help restore your health. If you or a loved one has a bothersome spine issue, do not hesitate to contact us for quick Ohio minimally invasive spine surgery services.
An Overview of MISS
MISS is a surgical procedure your surgeon uses to access your spine or backbone using less intrusive and destructive techniques to the surrounding or nearby tissues and muscles. When performing the traditional open spine surgery, your surgeon makes one long incision to your back through your skin.
Then, the surgeon will pull your soft tissues and muscles away from the bone to allow him/her to see or access the affected spine area. However, when performing MISS, your surgeon will cut a tiny incision through your skin to allow him/her to insert a metal tube that allows him/her to work on the affected part of the backbone or spine.
Here are some more benefits of MISS over open spine surgery, in addition to less muscle damage and a quicker recovery time:
- Little blood loss
- Less chances of post-operative complications or infection
- Smaller skin incisions or cuts have the best aesthetic results
- Reduced dependence on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs after the surgery
Health Conditions Treatable Through MISS
Generally speaking, most patients with back pain or weakness will not require spine surgery. However, if other treatment options like physical therapy and medications are not effective, your doctor could recommend spine surgery. If the pain is severe, MISS can help fix the issue.
However, not all back problems require your doctor to perform spine surgery. Explained below are common health conditions that are treatable or manageable through MISS:
Herniated Disk
Also known as a ruptured or slipped-out disc, a herniated disc is a common health condition that can occur anywhere along your spine, mainly around the lower back. When an injury or natural wear and tear causes a crack in your disk, the soft, "jelly-like" material inside will press against the outer ring, causing the disk to herniate.
While individuals in the age range of thirty (30) to fifty (50) years are more susceptible to herniated disc problems, anyone can develop this excruciating and bothersome condition. Below are some common risk factors that can increase your chances of developing a herniated disc problem:
- Obesity or overweight
- Seating in the same position or posture for long periods
- Lifting heavy weights
- Smoking
- Repetitive bending
If the bothersome symptoms of herniated discs persist after receiving physical therapy, medication, or spinal injections, your doctor could recommend MISS to fix the issue.
Congenital Spine Disorders
Congenital spine disorders can affect any part of the spine due to abnormalities in development or genetics. In these situations, the spine misdevelops in the early stages of fetal development, leading to structural issues with the spine or spinal cord.
Since several spine problems in children are not bothersome, they could go undetected for several years. Sometimes, congenital spine problems are progressive and could cause more severe complications with time when left untreated. A person with congenital spine disorder could experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty walking
- Uneven legs, hips, and shoulders
- Abnormal curvature of the spine
Depending on the unique condition of your child, the severity and symptoms he/she is experiencing, your neurosurgeon could recommend any of the following treatments:
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- MISS
Scoliosis
Another spinal problem that your doctor could treat through MISS is scoliosis. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the human spine. Your neurosurgeon could recommend a MISS procedure to realign or straighten your spine or backbone, depending on the degree of curvature. Aside from helping reduce the bothersome pain, this can enhance your physical appearance and lessen bothersome symptoms like:
- Breathing difficulties
- Weakness of the core muscle
- Leg pain or numbness
- Back pain
Generally speaking, available treatments for this condition primarily focus on reducing the bothersome symptoms, not necessarily straightening the curved part of the spine. The sooner you contact a neurosurgeon for Ohio minimally invasive spine surgery services, the better because the condition could worsen with time.
Arthritis/Degenerative Disc Disorder
Also known as "wear and tear" changes in your bones, discs of the spine, and ligaments, degenerative disc disorder is a common condition that could cause the following symptoms:
- Numbness in your legs
- Weakness in your lower back
- Pain
Spinal Infections
Also known as osteomyelitis, spinal infections mainly occur on the vertebrae (bones), discs, and surrounding muscles of your spine. While osteomyelitis is treatable using antibiotics, your doctor could recommend a MISS procedure to fix the issue.
Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Even if your spinal tumor is non-cancerous, your doctor will recommend its removal because it could cause structural instability in your spine, leading to fractures.
Spinal tumors can sometimes press on your spinal cord and nerve roots, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness.
It is important to remember that a MISS procedure could be necessary for various medical conditions, not just the ones explained above. Other health conditions treatable through MISS include:
- Spinal trauma
- Spinal stenosis
- Compression fractures
- Kyphosis
- Cervical spondylosis
Common MISS Procedures You Ought to Know
The type of MISS procedure your neurosurgeon will recommend will depend on the cause of back pain and the severity of your condition. Below are some common MISS procedures your neurosurgeon could recommend:
- Spinal decompression
- Discectomy
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
- Laminectomy
- Percutaneous Pedicle Fixation
- Foraminotomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Spinal fusion
- Tumor resection
- Corpectomy
If you are considering spinal surgery to fix your back problem and other associated symptoms, you should consult with a pain specialist or neurosurgeon to know your options.
Helpful Tips for Preparing for MISS Procedure
You will consult your physician or neurosurgeon before your MISS procedure. Your surgeon will conduct a thorough physical exam and request imaging tests to plan your treatment carefully. Here are some of the instructions your neurosurgeon could require you to follow before the recommended MISS procedure:
- Have imaging tests performed, including computer tomography (CT), MRI, or spine X-rays.
- Quit smoking cigarettes or tobacco products
- Keep your body and muscles in shape by engaging in regular exercise to ensure a speedy recovery after treatment
- Stop taking medications that could make your blood thin, leading to excessive bleeding during the surgery. Examples of these drugs include aspirin, heparin, and oxycodone
- Observe the guidelines regarding what to eat and drink the day before the procedure.
- Find a friend or family member who can drive you to and from the neurosurgeon's clinic after the procedure
What MISS Entails
On the day of your MISS, you will meet up with your neurosurgeon, who will perform the procedure. Depending on the MISS procedure you need for your unique spine problem, the anesthetist could recommend local anesthesia to numb the affected area of the spine and prevent discomfort during your surgery.
Alternatively, the anesthetist could put you to sleep during your procedure using general anesthesia. How long your procedure could take and the severity of the condition will determine which anesthesia the anesthetist will use before your MISS procedure.
Generally speaking, during your MISS procedure, your neurosurgeon will do the following while you are lying face down on the operating table:
- Make a tiny cut or incision in your skin through your chest, back, or abdomen in the site that requires treatment
- Insert a snort tubular retractor into the incision to expose the affected spine area requiring treatment. Alternatively, your neurosurgeon could insert a stick-like device (endoscope) with a tiny camera attached to the end to see the affected area of the spine clearly
- Insert small instruments through the tubular retractor or endoscope tube to make the necessary repairs and treatments to your spine
- Remove devices and retractors to allow your tissues and muscles surrounding the spine to return to their original and ideal position
- Close the incision site using staples, glue, or stitches before dressing it with a bandage
Your neurosurgeon will let you know how long your procedure will take. Generally, it could take an hour or more, depending on the type of MISS you are undergoing.
What to Anticipate After a MISS Procedure
Some MISS procedures can occur as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home within twenty-four (24) hours after this procedure. After this procedure, the neurosurgeon could require you to stay in the clinic for some hours to allow him/her to watch out for any possible complications.
As mentioned above, you should have someone ready to drive you home once you come out of the neurosurgeon's clinic because the anesthesia used could affect your ability to drive carefully. If your neurosurgeon had to place a drain on the incision site, you should expect it to come out one (1) to three (3) days following the procedure.
Some pain and discomfort after the procedure is normal, but you can use over-the-counter painkillers to ease the discomfort. Your neurosurgeon could advise you to do breathing exercises using a spirometer during the first few days after the MISS procedure to allow the re-expansion of every part of your lungs and clear any secretions.
After this procedure, it is natural for a small amount of fluid to leak from the incision site. However, when the amount of this fluid increases or persists, you should speak with your neurosurgeon to know the cause of the problem and receive appropriate treatment.
Your surgeon will also give instructions on caring for yourself and using your back after the MISS procedure. For example, he/she could require you to limit bending and lifting. How soon you will recover after receiving Ohio minimally invasive spine surgery services will depend on your general health and the type of procedure you had.
Ensure you adhere to the treatment and all follow-up appointment instructions your neurosurgeon provides.
Potential Risks of MISS That You Ought to Know
Like any other surgery, MISS has its risks as well, including (but are not limited to) the following:
- Excess bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Pain at the incision site
- Anesthesia-related complications
- Leaking of spinal fluid
- Misplacement of instrumentation
- Tissue damage
In most cases, MISS will go as planned, meaning the chances of experiencing any of the above risks are lower. The risk you will likely experience after a MISS procedure depends on your age and general health. Having your spine surgery at a facility with experience treating patients using this method could lower your chances of developing this condition.
Ensure you speak with your neurosurgeon when you experience any of the above symptoms for professional help. To achieve the best results for your back or spine problem, you should do background research to find a reliable spine treatment center or neurosurgeon who offers MISS procedures. Ensure the neurosurgeon you choose for Ohio minimally invasive spine surgery services is:
- Credible and reputable
- Accessible and available
- Qualified and experienced
- Licensed
Find Ohio Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Services Near Me
Back pain can undoubtedly take a toll on your daily life. If other common treatments, like medications and physical therapy, do not provide you the relief you want, your neurosurgeon could recommend MISS. MISS will help reduce bothersome symptoms like back pain, but it will not cure the underlying cause of the pain.
Fortunately, it is a less invasive procedure compared to open-spine surgery, meaning you do not have to fret when your neurosurgeon recommends the procedure to fix your spine problem. We invite you to contact our reliable neurosurgeons at LAMIS Institute at 310-734-6088 if you have more questions about Ohio minimally invasive spine surgery services or want to know whether you are an excellent candidate for the procedure.
