Minimally invasive spine surgery is a surgical approach that aims to treat various spine conditions while minimizing tissue disruption and trauma. Unlike traditional open surgeries that involve larger incisions and more extensive muscle and tissue manipulation, minimally invasive spine surgery uses smaller incisions, specialized instruments, and advanced imaging techniques to access and treat the affected area of the spine.

There are several advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery over traditional open procedures.

• Small incisions: Smaller incisions result in less damage to muscles, ligaments, and other tissues. This also means a smaller scar and a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
• Less pain: With smaller incisions and reduced tissue trauma, patients experience less postoperative pain. This can lead to shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to daily activities
• Faster recovery: Minimally invasive procedures promote faster healing due to the minimized disruption of tissues
• Reduced blood loss: The precision of minimally invasive techniques often leads to reduced blood loss during surgery, which can lower the need for blood transfusions and decrease the risk of complications
• Lower infection rates: Smaller incisions and reduced tissue exposure can lower the risk of infection, which is particularly crucial for surgeries involving the spine.
• Less tissue damage: Traditional open surgeries involve more extensive muscle and tissue dissection, potentially leading to muscle damage and longer recovery times

Minimally invasive spine surgery has expanded its capabilities to treat a variety of spinal conditions. Some common conditions that can often be treated using minimally invasive approaches include:

• Herniated disc
• Stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spine fractures
• Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis
• Spondylolisthesis

Symptoms that respond well to minimally invasive spine surgery include:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Lower back pain
• Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain
• Tingling in the extremities
• Weakness or numbness in the extremities
• Muscle spasms
• Limited mobility

Laser spine surgery is a type of minimally invasive spine surgery; it is actually the least invasive approach to spine surgery. Laser spine surgery involves using laser technology to treat certain spinal conditions through small incisions. However, it’s important to understand that the term “laser spine surgery” can sometimes be misleading, as it’s not always a standalone procedure and its effectiveness is still a topic of debate within the medical community.

In laser spine surgery, a laser is used to vaporize or shrink tissue, such as a herniated disc or other abnormalities, with the intent of relieving nerve compression and related symptoms. The procedure is typically performed through small incisions and often involves the guidance of specialized imaging techniques.

It’s important to approach the possibility of laser spine surgery with caution and to consult with a qualified spine surgeon like Dr. Gottlieb, who can provide accurate information about its suitability for your specific condition and needs.

Most spinal surgeries can typically be performed using minimally invasive techniques, which minimize risks and shorten recovery time. Depending on the specific procedure, some may necessitate general anesthesia, while others can be done in the office with local numbing agents. Dr. Gottlieb is highly experienced in a variety of minimally invasive surgical options, including:

• Microdiscectomy: This procedure involves removing a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on spinal nerves
• Laminectomy: A laminectomy involves removing part of the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves
• Spinal Fusion: Various approaches to spinal fusion, such as XLIF, stabilize the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae
• Foraminotomy: This procedure widens the neural foramen (the passageway for spinal nerves to exit the spine), relieving nerve compression caused by conditions like herniated discs or bone spurs.
• Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: These procedures treat vertebral compression fractures
• Disc Replacement Surgery: Instead of fusing vertebrae, this procedure involves replacing a damaged disc with an artificial one to maintain motion at the affected spinal level

These are just a few examples of the many minimally invasive spine surgery techniques available. Dr. Gottlieb can recommend the most appropriate approach based on your condition and needs.

If you’re seeking relief from chronic back pain, the option of minimally invasive spine surgery could be your path to optimal health. Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized tools and small incisions to target your spinal issues with precision while minimizing tissue damage. Compared to traditional open surgeries, this technique offers less postoperative discomfort and a speedier recovery. Numerous patients at Gottlieb Spine have experienced positive outcomes with minimally invasive spine surgery, and our dedicated team is ready to guide you through this transformative process. So, if back pain is limiting your quality of life, consider the potential of minimally invasive spine surgery and contact us to schedule your consultation.