Minimally invasive spine surgery has become more and more accepted over the past decade as a viable – and even preferable – alternative to traditional open spine operations such as spinal fusion and discectomies. The fact that symptoms related to degenerative spine conditions can now be treated without an overnight hospital stay and with a much shorter period of recuperation is extremely appealing to those who have failed to find nonsurgical relief for back or neck pain. What follows are a few frequently asked questions about this advanced, gentle alternative to highly invasive spine surgery.

Q: What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery?

A: In most cases, the same degenerative spine conditions that have traditionally been treated using open spine surgery can be treated using minimally invasive procedures. These conditions include spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis of the spine, degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, bulging disc, and spine bone spurs.

Q: Who is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?

A: Anyone who has tried but failed to use conservative, nonsurgical methods to manage the pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness associated with spinal nerve compression might want to consider minimally invasive spine surgery as an option. Typically, a doctor will advise that a patient exhaust all conservative methods before opting for surgery of any kind.

Q: How is it performed?

A: There are several different forms of minimally invasive spine surgery, each of which is designed to help alleviate nerve compression caused by a particular anatomical abnormality or within a certain area of the spine. However, there are a few qualities that all minimally invasive spine procedures share. They are: a small (one-inch) incision; the insertion of telescoping tubes and an endoscope (camera) for access to the spine; gentle removal of the source of nerve compression (often with a laser or other heat source). The procedure is performed using twilight sedation, and on an out-patient basis.

Q: What are the risks?

A: As with every form of surgery, there are certain risks and potential side effects associated with minimally invasive spine procedures. What makes them so much more attractive than traditional open back or neck surgery is that these risks and the potential for these side effects to occur is greatly reduced. That’s due to two main factors. One, the size of the incision typically is about one-quarter of the size of the incision required for open back surgery, which reduces the potential for infection and internal bleeding. And two, no metal or hard plastic hardware is used, eliminating the possibility of hardware rejection or failure.

Q: What happens afterward?

A: In the immediate aftermath of minimally invasive spine surgery, a patient will rest and recuperate in the recovery room. Once he or she has regained equilibrium, and once the surgeon has given clearance, the patient will be released either to a nearby hotel or to his or her home to rest. Many people report a return to daily activity as soon as two weeks after minimally invasive spine procedures, as opposed to the months it usually takes following open spine surgery.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spine surgery.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to patient education. http://laserspine.net/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spine surgery.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Spine surgery