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Minimally invasive spine surgery

201 Route 17 North, Suite 501, Rutherford NJ 07070

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Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a technique used for a wide range of spine procedures. It often serves as an alternative to traditional open surgery when possible. Patients looking for a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon in Rutherford NJ can benefit from advanced procedures that reduce recovery time and minimize discomfort.

Due to technological advances and a list of significant advantages, minimally invasive surgical techniques have been commonly used for spine surgery since the 1990s. Today, highly skilled neurosurgeons in New Jersey continue to refine and perform these procedures to improve patient outcomes.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Effective?

A main characteristic of MISS is that it does not involve a long incision, such as open surgery. Open surgery typically includes a five- to six-inch incision, as opposed to MISS, which requires an incision of only about two centimeters, less than an inch.

With MISS, the traditional movement of muscles and soft tissues (and even possible removal of some tissue) surrounding the spine is avoided. In MISS, the surgeon can work around those structures, leaving them intact and lowering the risk of damage. Patients who choose spine surgery minimally invasive in Rutherford NJ often experience faster recovery compared to traditional open approaches.

How Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is Performed
  • A fluoroscope, a special type of X-ray essentially like a “live feed,” is used to view the surgery.
  • A small incision is made to view the area of spine to be treated.
  • A tubular retractor is inserted into the area, creating a tunnel to access the problem area of the spine. The retractor includes a light and tiny camera.
  • The surgeon makes the needed repairs to the problem area and then closes the incision.

Conditions That May Require Spine Surgery?

Several orthopedic and neurological conditions can lead to chronic back pain. While many can be managed with non-surgical treatments, some cases require spine surgery to relieve symptoms and restore function. Thanks to advancements in medical technology, many of these conditions can now be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery, offering quicker recovery and less risk than traditional open procedures. Common conditions include:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease:
    Progressive thinning and wear of the spinal discs, often resulting in persistent back pain.
  • Herniated Disc:
    Occurs when a disc bulges out of place and presses on nearby nerves, causing pain that may require surgical relief.
  • Sciatica:
    Nerve compression in the lower back that causes sharp, radiating pain down the leg.
  • Scoliosis:
    Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which may be congenital or develop over time.
  • Spinal Stenosis:
    Narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to nerve compression and symptoms such as back and leg pain.
  • Spinal Tumors:
    Abnormal tissue growth in or around the spinal cord; whether benign or malignant, tumors can compress nerves and cause significant discomfort.
  • Spondylolisthesis:
    A condition where a vertebra slips out of its normal position, often causing instability and back pain.
  • Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF):
    A fracture in the spine often caused by osteoporosis or trauma, leading to sudden or chronic pain.

Types of MISS

While not all spine surgeries are appropriately done with MISS, the following is commonly and successfully performed using this method:

  • Herniated discs & Degenerative disc disease
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Spinal deformities such as scoliosis
  • Spinal infections
  • Spinal instability
  • Fractured vertebrae (often from compression)
  • Spinal tumors

Recovery from Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Post-surgical pain, although minimized, is to be expected. This pain can be relieved even with over-the-counter pain medications. A patient’s healthcare provider helps with post-surgical pain management. According to the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery the recovery from MISS varies, depending on the procedure(s) that have been done, and a patient’s overall health. The Society estimates that in general terms, MISS over traditional (open) surgery cuts a hospital stay by one half. For various recovery times a patient may expect the following:
  • A usual return home within two to three days (e.g. following an average lumbar fusion)
  • A return to work from one to two weeks for sedentary jobs, such as those in an office. This may increase to four to six weeks for a more extensive surgery, such as a fusion.
  • A return to full activity can be made in as little as six weeks. However, some patients may require more time. Healthcare providers usually recommend rehabilitation, such as physical therapy. This obviously has an impact on return to function.
At Advanced Neurosurgery Associates, our specialized spine specialist Dr. Vivek Ramakrishnan is uniquely qualified as one of a handful of neurosurgeons with training in both neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery. He is part of our locally and nationally recognized practice, where we are renowned for our expertise and compassionate care.

Minimally Invasive Fusion Surgery Procedures

  • Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (XLIF)
  • Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
  • Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
  • Posterior Thoracic Fusion

When to Consider Surgery

  • The curve exceeds 40–50 degrees
  • There is rapid curve progression despite bracing
  • Pain, mobility issues, or breathing problems interfere with daily life
  • Non-surgical treatments are no longer effective
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