Even though minimally invasive spinal surgery can successfully resolve major complications and relieve pain, patients often find the idea of surgery daunting and intimidating. While surgical techniques have come a long way in treating spinal conditions, there are still many myths about surgery and the minimally invasive techniques surgeons can use to benefit patients.
Let’s address some of the most common myths about minimally invasive spine surgery and provide the facts.
Myth: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is Not Effective
Fact: Surgeons have been using and developing minimally invasive surgical techniques since the ’90s to correct spinal complications and relieve back pain. When applicable, neurosurgeons can deliver successful results by performing complex, detailed procedures through minimally invasive techniques. As of 2022, minimally invasive spine surgery boasts a success rate of more than 90% and is the preferred surgical option among patients.
Myth: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is Just as Intensive as Open Spine Surgery
Fact: While open spine surgery requires surgeons to create a large incision and cut through muscle to access the spine, minimally invasive techniques allow your doctors to reach the surgery site with as little cutting as possible. Patients can experience improved results after minimally invasive spine surgery compared to open spine surgery, with significant benefits like:
- Faster recovery
- Less downtime
- Less pain management
- Less rehabilitation
- Minimal scarring
- Minimized risk of infection
Patients find the same relief from minimally invasive spinal surgery as open spine surgery with a far less complicated recovery period.
Myth: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Limits My Doctor’s Capabilities
Fact: Surgeons can correct numerous spinal complications through minimally invasive techniques. While some cases do require open spine surgery, doctors can often use minimally invasive spine surgery to correct conditions that include:
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Cysts or tumors
- Deformities (i.e., scoliosis)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Fractures
- Narrowed spinal canal (stenosis)
- Spinal infections
- Spinal instability
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion patients experience successful results after undergoing minimally invasive surgery. Surgeons can operate endoscopically through tubes as narrow as drinking straws to reach the site and perform the spinal fusion procedure.
Thanks to advancements in minimally invasive techniques, this surgical option is a viable solution for even the most complex procedures.
Myth: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Can’t Correct My Spinal Issue
Fact: As mentioned in the myth above, certain conditions may require open spine surgery to achieve the best results. However, minimally invasive spine surgery is a viable option for many patients to resolve spinal complications and regain a life free from back pain.
If you’re suffering from a spinal complication and want to discuss your options with minimally invasive spine surgery, talk to the team at Georgia Neurological Institute.
Our neurosurgeons are highly trained in spinal care, and our practice is at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery techniques to treat the spine. In fact, the Georgia Neurological Institute Outpatient Surgery Center is one of only two in the state that utilizes robotic technology for spinal surgery.
If you are experiencing moderate to severe back pain and are ready to live pain-free again, talk to the GNI team today. We will perform diagnostic testing and help determine the next steps in your path toward recovery. Call to schedule a consultation: 478-743-7092
Related Blogs:
XLIF and OLIF – Extreme Lateral & Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion
