Minimising damage to the normal spine structures.
Minimally invasive spine surgery describes a philosophy of spine surgery where minimising damage to the normal spinal structures is a key goal of surgery. This goal can apply to both the surgical approach to the spine and the intervention on the spine itself.
The potential benefits of this philosophy are less pain, quicker recovery, shorter hospital stay and fewer long term complications.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is also known as minimal access spine surgery or less invasive spine surgery. It is an emerging specialised area, which requires specific training in instrumentation and techniques.
Not just about small incisions and scars.
While a small scar is cosmetically pleasing and often results from minimally invasive approaches, MIS is about more than 'keyhole' surgery. Equally important is the care taken with structures under the skin - the muscles, bones and ligaments that give the spine its unique qualities. In some cases, performing traditional surgery through a small incision may cause greater harm to surrounding tissues, through the greater retraction needed to perform the surgery.
An example - lumbar fusion.
A lumbar fusion procedure normally involves the placement of screws. The pictures below demonstrate cross sections through the spine with placement of pedicle screws. The traditional fusion approach (Image B) requires marked retraction of muscle and soft tissues in order to place the screws. A minimally invasive fusion approach (Image C) allows placement of the screws through a path created by separation of muscle fibres - rather than cutting and retraction - minimising tissue disruption. This requires two smaller incisions, rather than one larger one, the more important goal is preserving normal spinal structures.
For your condition.
Dr Ball has received specialised advanced training in minimally invasive spine surgery. He uses these techniques whenever suitable. While some spinal conditions still require more extensive and invasive surgery, Dr Ball always strives to minimise the damage to normal spinal structures.
More information (external links).
Minimal Access Spinal Technologies - A patient information website provided by Medtronic, a company involved in manufacturing and distributing MIS equipment.