Hearing the words “you need spine surgery” is not something most people dream about. Surgery of any kind is never ideal, but spine surgery comes with its own unique set of difficulties. Luckily, with the help of modern technology, patients now have options when it comes to spinal procedures. One of the most common treatments today is minimally invasive spine surgery. There are many benefits to minimally invasive surgery across the board, not just for spine-related procedures. At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, offering and expanding on minimally invasive surgical options is extremely important.
Here are a few ways minimally invasive spine surgery can be a benefit over traditional surgery:
Generally, minimally invasive surgery is low risk. Compared to traditional surgery, the health benefits are extremely evident too. Minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions, compared to large openings on the back and neck. As a result, the risk of infection is drastically reduced and blood loss is minor. Also, with limited intrusion there is little to no muscle damage that occurs.
Additionally, the amount of anesthesia used is typically less than traditional surgery. This reduces the risk of anesthesia-related complications during surgery and in recovery.
Aside from the health benefits, one reason many people seek minimally invasive surgery is for cosmetic advantages. With just a few small incisions, scarring is kept to a minimum. After traditional spine surgery, patients may be left with multiple large scars. With minimally invasive spine surgery, that reality is no more. If you’re nervous about scarring, it’s best to see if you’re a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure.
Nobody likes having to stay in a hospital. With minimally invasive surgery, many procedures can be performed outpatient with little downtime. Recovery is overall less restrictive, resulting in a much more pleasant experience.
If pain is your main concern, recovering from traditional surgery can be a challenge. A real advantage to minimally invasive spine surgery is that recovery is generally a breeze. Smaller incisions and little muscle damage mean less pain for you immediately after surgery and long term.
Minimally invasive surgery has been a real game-changer for the medical field. At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, we believe minimally invasive spine surgery is a great remedy for many common spinal injuries. If you would like to learn if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery, call to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians today.