Essential Guide to Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Plano TX
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Do you feel like there is no end to your back pain? If you’re feeling persistent pain on your back and your medications don’t work anymore, you might need to undergo spine surgery in Plano TX.
Spine surgery may sound scary, all with those pain and incisions that you have to endure. But did you know that there is a type of spine surgery that is less painful? It’s called Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, or MISS.
Let’s find out below what this procedure is and if it’s the right treatment for you. We will also learn which facility in Texas best offers it. Most importantly, we will answer the question, “Does minimally invasive spine surgery work?”
Introducing Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
MISS is a type of surgery on your backbone. It aims to achieve results like that of traditional spine surgery, but with less injury. MISS reduces the damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues. It is also called less invasive spine surgery.
In traditional spine surgery, a surgeon makes a long incision down your back. This can be five to six inches long. He then moves the muscles to the side to treat your spine. However, moving the muscles can pose greater risks of muscle injury. Larger incisions also increase the risk of infection and blood loss. These drawbacks can lead to a lengthier recovery period.
This is where MISS comes in. In this type of surgery, a surgeon uses smaller cuts that cause less harm to the patient. It allows the surgeon to cut only the area where the problem lies. This saves nearby muscles, ligaments, and tissues from damage. MISS is less painful and involves less bleeding. It also allows for faster recovery after the procedure.
Procedure for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
MISS can be performed in various approaches. The procedure also depends on the part of the spine that is being treated. Below is an example of the procedure to give you an overview of how MISS is done.
- An orthopedic and his team of trained medical personnel will attend to you. You will receive general or regional anesthesia to numb the pain.
- You may be given antibiotics to prevent infection before and after the surgery.
- During the operation, the team will watch your vital signs.
- The orthopedic will make a small incision on your back where a tubular retractor will be inserted. The tubular retractor will keep your muscles open to create a tunnel to the small area that needs to be treated.
- The orthopedic will begin the repairs to the spine. Through the tubular retractor, small tools such as screws, rods, and camera will be inserted.
- When he is done repairing the problem, he will then remove the small instruments and the retractor. The muscles will then return to its original position, minimizing the damage that is common in open surgery.
- He will close the incision with staples, glue, or stitches.
MISS allows patients to recover fast, compared to traditional surgery. On average, MISS patients can go home on the same day or in one to two days.
Who Can Undergo Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Your doctor may tell you to undergo MISS when the symptoms of your back problem persist. This is after receiving non-surgical treatments such as medication and physical therapy. The same indications hold true for traditional open surgery. But your doctor will only consider performing less invasive surgery if he can tell exactly the source of your pain.
If you are suffering from any of the following conditions, you might be a candidate for spine surgery in Plano.
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
- Spinal instability
- Spinal deformities such as scoliosis
- Infection in the spine
- Fractured vertebra
- Spondylolysis
- Removal of a tumor in the spine
Risks of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Every procedure has potential risks and minimally invasive spine surgery is no exception. MISS’s common complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain at the graft site
- Persistent pain
- Headaches due to spinal fluid leakage
- Anesthesia complications
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Pseudoarthrosis
MISS has lower risks compared to traditional surgery. Since MISS only requires small incisions, it decreases the chance of damaging the surrounding areas. However, the risks still vary according to your age and health condition. An experienced surgeon in Plano TX can significantly reduce the risks of minimally invasive spine surgery.
Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Effective?
Yes, minimally invasive spine surgery is effective.
The National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI) found out that MISS is safe and highly-affective. This is after they conducted a study on the outcomes and complications of the procedure. 26% of elderly patients underwent six different MISS procedures. 90% of patients said they would have the surgery again.
Performing MISS in patients who are over 65 years old yields excellent outcomes. It also provides solutions to high-risk patients who are not fit for the traditional open surgery. However, patient selection is still critical for the success of less invasive spine surgery.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Near Me
MISS is one type of surgery that can ease your back problems without having to undergo open surgery. The procedure is safe and effective, so there is no need to fear to undergo surgery anymore.
While it is proven effective, MISS is not for everyone though. There are still some back conditions that the less invasive spine surgery cannot treat. It is still best to get expert advice from your doctor to know if MISS is recommended for you.
If you are looking for a reliable spine surgery facility in Plano TX, we got your back. At Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery of Texas, we’ll get your back condition treated. Our team of experienced health care provider is trained to handle each procedure with utmost care. Feel safe and secured while undergoing the operation.
Call us now at (972) 244-3491 to book an appointment.
