WHAT IS MINIMALLY INVASIVE STABILIZATION SURGERY?
Minimally invasive stabilization surgery (MISS) is a type of spine surgery that uses minimally invasive techniques to stabilize spinal structures (vertebrae, joints, intervertebral discs) and relieve pressure on pinched spinal nerves. MISS is used to treat several conditions, including:
- Herniated discs
- Bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- Spinal stenosis
- Pinched nerves
- Arthritis of the spine
All the conditions listed above cause significant pain, weakness, numbness and loss of movement and flexibility in the spine. Age, genetics, traumatic incidents like car accidents and falls, and natural wear and tear can all lead to changes and damage to the spinal discs and other structures within the spine.
MISS stabilizes the spine, relieves pain and pressure, and helps you regain mobility so that you can return to your prior level of functioning.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE
At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, we perform MISS as outpatient procedures so that you can return home the same day. There are several surgical techniques that fall under the scope of minimally invasive spine surgery. MISS techniques include partially or completely removing spinal discs that are compressing nerve roots in the spine.
At the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in your back or neck above where damage occurred. Using special tools, your doctor will move aside muscle and soft tissues to make a channel to your spine. Your surgeon will then partially or completely remove a degenerated disc. Afterward, an artificial disc, hardware or bone graft implant will be placed to stabilize the spine, maintain proper height in the spine and realign the vertebrae.
MISS procedures are also used to remove parts of vertebrae, bone spurs or soft tissues that are causing nerve compression. Decompression surgeries relieve pressure on the nerve roots and open up more space for spinal nerves and the spinal cord to move through the spine. All minimally invasive stabilization surgeries require only a small incision.
RECOVERY
MISS techniques are minimally invasive procedures, which means they have fewer risks than open surgery and requires less downtime and recovery time. You’ll be able to return home the same day as surgery and our staff will give you specific instructions to help aid your recovery. You may experience some pain and weakness following the procedure, but many patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.
Some of the primary benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Fewer complications and bloss loss during surgery
- Less damage to surrounding muscle and soft tissues
- Lower risk of infection
- Less post-op pain and less reliance on strong pain medications during recovery
- Faster recovery and rehabilitation
- Better cosmetic results with minimal scarring
We encourage you to learn more about minimally invasive surgery and the benefits here:
5 Advantages of Minimally Invasive Procedures
CONTACT INTEGRITY SPINE AND ORTHOPEDICS TO FIND RELIEF FROM BACK OR NECK PAIN
At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, we specialize in identifying, diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic back, spine and joint conditions. If you’re experiencing back or joint pain, weakness, or a loss of mobility, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with our team. We provide compassionate and comprehensive care to help you find relief from pain and get back to doing the activities you love.
Call us at 904-456-0017 or contact us online to request an appointment.