What Are the Most Common Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Blog Summary: Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is increasingly being used to treat a wide variety of spinal conditions with less tissue disruption, faster recovery, and excellent outcomes. This post explores the most common conditions that MISS can address, based on both clinical experience at Desert Spine and insights from top academic centers.

• Top conditions treated with MISS include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease

• MISS can also address spinal instability, bone spurs, and certain mild spinal deformities

• MISS may sometimes also be used for cervical spondylosis, kyphosis, and spinal tumors

• Lastly, cases of spinal trauma, infections, and compression fractures may be treated with MISS

In summary, while not suitable for all cases, MISS is a safe, effective alternative to open spine surgery for many patients with a wide range of conditions.

In the world of spinal care, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has been redefining what’s possible. Smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery make this method of spine surgery extremely compelling for many patients experiencing debilitating pain.

If you’re thinking “Sign me up!”, then you’ll be glad to know that performing spine surgery by minimally invasive procedure is possible for a wide range of conditions. Which ones, exactly, can be treated this way? If you’re wondering whether you might be a good candidate for MISS, then you’re in the right place.

Let’s take a look at ten of the most common diagnoses MISS can be used to treat, based on real-world data from top academic centers and our own experience here at Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center.

Conditions We Commonly Treat with Minimally Invasive Surgery at Desert Spine

We specialize in treating spinal conditions with a minimally invasive approach. This approach helps reduce muscle damage, minimize hospital time, and promote a quick recovery when treating these conditions:

1. Herniated Discs: When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it can put pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness. Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) can alleviate this pressure without requiring extensive removal of bone or muscle.

2. Spinal Stenosis: This condition, a common reason for patients to seek care, involves a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves. MISS can widen the canal with significantly less disruption than traditional surgery.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease: The natural wear and tear on spinal discs can result in chronic pain and stiffness. For patients who haven't found relief with non-surgical treatments, MISS can be used to stabilize or decompress the affected areas.

4. Spinal Instability (Spondylolisthesis or Anteriorlisthesis): When a vertebra slips out of place, it can lead to instability or nerve pinching. Depending on the specific case, MISS can stabilize the spine through fusion or decompression.

5. Osteophytes (Bone Spurs): These bone overgrowths can pinch spinal nerves. MISS offers a precise way to remove these structures and relieve pressure on the nerves.

6. Spinal Deformities (Select Cases): Although not suitable for all deformities, MISS can be an effective option for some patients with minor spinal curvature or misalignment, offering surgical correction with a less invasive approach.

Learn more about whether you might be a good candidate for MISS here.

Other Conditions Commonly Treated with Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Spine

As the University of Michigan and Mount Sinai note, minimally invasive spine surgery is often used to address conditions ranging from cervical spondylosis to scoliosis:

• Cervical Spondylosis: Age-related degeneration in the neck that can cause pain or stiffness

• Kyphosis: Forward curvature of the spine, typically in the thoracic regio

• Spinal Tumors: Both benign and malignant, especially when causing compression

• Vertebral Compression Fractures: Often due to osteoporosis or trauma

• Spinal trauma: Injuries to the spinal bones, ligaments, or muscles

• Spinal infections: Such as discitis or osteomyelitis

• Compression fractures: Particularly in older adults

• Scoliosis: In some cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pain or improve alignment

These broader examples help illustrate how MISS continues to evolve and expand, offering safe, effective solutions for a growing range of spinal problems.

So, Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You?

MISS has clear advantages, including shorter recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications than open spine surgery. But it's also not right for everyone.

Wondering if your condition is treatable with us?

Your best first step is a consultation. At Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, every patient receives a comprehensive 45-minute evaluation with Dr. Baig to review all treatment options, from conservative care to surgical solutions.

Learn more about what makes minimally invasive spine surgery at Desert Spine unique here.