Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Questions and Answers

Introduction

If chronic back or neck pain has lingered for months despite trying medication, physical therapy or other conservative measures, you may be wondering if spine surgery could fix the problem. But the prospect of surgery - even using minimally invasive techniques - usually triggers another set of questions patients need answered, according to Fabien Bitan MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Atlantic Spine Center.

Main Item

While minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) was developed more than two decades ago to treat a host of underlying conditions triggering back pain, most people have little idea of what the procedure entails and how it could impact and improve their lives, Dr. Bitan says.

"The idea of minimally invasive spine surgery isn't even on most people's radar until they or a loved one is coping with back or neck pain day after day, week after week," explains Dr. Bitan. "But since nearly 8 and 10 adults will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives, and a number of them can't find relief through conservative treatments, it's useful to understand what this increasingly popular surgery can do."

Dr. Bitan Answers Frequently Asked Questions About MISS

Am I a Good Candidate for MISS?

If your back or neck pain has persisted for 6 to 12 months despite trying numerous non-operative treatments, then MISS may be for you. It treats specific conditions such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis or herniated discs that can be pinpointed using various diagnostic and imaging tests.

"Certain spine conditions require standard ‘open' surgery using longer incisions, such as high-degree scoliosis, tumors and some infections," he says.

How is MISS Performed?

The technology used in MISS is compelling, Dr. Bitan says. Using cuts of only an inch or less in length, surgeons access the spine using small tools called retractors, which are placed into the tiny incision and through soft tissues to the designated spot on the spine. Any bone or disc material removed comes through the retractor, and any devices necessary for fusion procedures – which fuse together painful vertebrae so they heal into a single, solid bone – are also inserted through this space. Since such a small incision is used, the surgeon doesn't have to move, remove or alter major muscles, normal bone structures, or nerve bundles. Most MISS procedures take 90 minutes or less.

How Quickly Will I Recover from MISS?

Faster than you think, Dr. Bitan says. Because MISS is minimally disruptive to tissues surrounding the spine, the procedure is often done on an outpatient basis and recovery is swift. Many patients are able to get up and walk right after surgery with minimal pain and go home within a few hours (spinal fusion surgeries may require a 2-3 day hospital stay). Going back to work can occur within 1-2 weeks or just slightly longer, and some patients return to full activity within 6 weeks.

Will I Need Physical Therapy After MISS?

Not necessarily, but probably, Dr. Bitan says. It depends on the patient, but physical therapy to strengthen muscles surrounding the spine and improve flexibility is often initiated 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. "Patients often find that physical therapy hastens their overall recovery and makes them feel better even quicker," Dr. Bitan says.

What Are the Advantages of MISS?

"The benefits of MISS compared to open surgery quickly add up," Dr. Bitan says, including better cosmetic results from smaller incisions; less blood loss and a lower risk of needing a blood transfusion; a reduced risk of muscle damage; lower risk of infection and post-operative pain; and less need for pain medications after surgery.

Fabien Bitan, MD. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon with Atlantic Spine Center is a world renowned spine surgeon and leading expert in spinal instrumentation and artificial discs replacements. Atlantic Spine Center is a nationally recognized leader for endoscopic spine surgery with several locations in NJ and NYC.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Dr. Fabian Bitan, and published on 2016/04/21 (Edit Update: 2023/09/11), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, Dr. Fabian Bitan can be contacted at atlanticspinecenter.com. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

Related Publications▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Dr. Fabian Bitan. (2016, April 21 - Last revised: 2023, September 11). Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Questions and Answers. Disabled World. Retrieved September 20, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/spinal/miss.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/spinal/miss.php">Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Questions and Answers</a>: Dr. Fabien Bitan provides tips and explains common points about minimally invasive spine surgery, an increasingly popular surgical option for back pain.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.