Traditional open spine surgeries have historically required long skin incisions and stripping the overlying muscles to access the spine. Today, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) has completely revolutionized the way we perform spinal procedures.
How is MISS Performed?
Instead of cutting through muscle fibers, the surgeon uses tubular dilators to split the muscle tissue gently. Specialized surgical instruments, microscopes, and real-time X-ray guidance are then inserted through these tubes to correct the underlying spinal disorder.
Key Benefits of MISS:
- Tiny Incisions: Incisions are often less than an inch long, leaving minimal scarring.
- Less Blood Loss: By minimizing muscle damage, the overall blood loss during surgery is dramatically reduced.
- Faster Recovery: Most patients undergoing minimally invasive decompression or discectomy are able to go home the very next day, and resume light activities in weeks rather than months.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: Shorter incisions and specialized tubes reduce the exposure of tissues to external elements.
