Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

With immense technological advancements taking place in the medical industry, back and neck conditions can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery. The procedure does not involve a long incision and avoids any damage to muscles around the spine. Such procedure results in less pain and a faster rate of recovery. Minimally invasive spine surgery is usually recommended when other nonsurgical treatments such as medications and physical therapy do not relieve painful back problems like a herniated disk or spinal stenosis.

  • Procedure
The procedure involved can be either decompression or fusions done through different approaches. A tubular retractor is an instrument through which a small incision is made to access thespinal columnlying under a layer of skin and soft tissues. A tunnel is created to a small area where the ailment exists. Tubular retractor holds muscles open and is kept in place right through the whole procedure. Small instruments are inserted in the centre of the tubular retractor and any bone or disk material is removedvia the retractor and screws or rods necessary forfusion are inserted via the retractor.

For treating more than one issue at the same time, multiple retractors can be inserted, or more than one incision can also be made. The procedures can be either
  • MIS Lumbar Discectomy– A herniated disk in the lower back pinching a nerve can cause excruciating pain in the leg, weakness or numbness. To relieve these symptoms the disk is surgically removed.
  • MIS Lumbar Fusion – A standard open lumbar fusion done from the back, via the abdomen or from the side. Minimally invasive lumbar fusions may be carried out in same manner.
Recovery and Costs

A patient can be expected to stay in the hospital for about a week after the surgery. After that further rest of 7-10 dayswould be required for recovery. The period ofrecovery for each patient could be different.  Physical therapy can be started after a week of the surgery and a return to normal activities can be expected in a time frame of2 weeks. However, a full recovery at times can even take months. Rigorous activities should be started on the advice of the surgeon.The cost of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in India can range anywhere from 5400 USD to 6000 USD while the same procedure in the USA can start from 25000 USD.

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