Minimally Invasive Surgery

Overview | MIS: ALIF | | MIS: AxiaLIF | MIS: ILIF | Microdiscectomy | MIS: PLIF | MIS: TLIF | MIS: XLIF

About Minimally Invasive Surgery

Every type of surgery performed in the United States is quickly being reinvented toward the goal of “minimally invasive surgery.” That’s because if the physician can make a shorter incision, less tissue is disrupted, which in turn cause less blood loss, less trauma to muscles and ligaments, and recovery after the surgery is less painful and quicker for the patient.

But for this to happen, it requires new technology as the surgeon operates through a half-inch incision and works through a tube the width of a ball point pen that has a camera and incision device. In a sense, the surgeon operates by seeing an image on a TV screen. So not only is there expensive technology involved, but it requires incredible expertise for the surgeon to perform the surgery need through tiny instruments. In a sense, the skill involved is like comparing a carpenter to a jeweler. 

For years, knee surgery and shoulder surgery has been done through scopes, where a knee surgeon corrects a torn menisicus or ligament. Now the use of scopes is expanding to joint replacement and spine surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery in orthopedics is becoming the desired standard. The technique is proving to be particularly successful in joint replacement as well as reconstruction of fractures and bones and realignment of extremities.

It is important to note that the technology used to perform minimally invasive orthopedic procedures has undergone significant advances and the surgeons at University Orthopedics are continuing to improve and refine ways to make surgeries even less invasive.

Several weeks of recovery may be required for traditional “open” spine surgery as it may involve a three-inch long incision, in which muscles and tissues are separated for optimal access to the injury site. The surgery usually results in trauma to surrounding tissues and some blood loss. Because of this the affected tissues and muscles need adequate healing time.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

In the field of spine surgery, spine surgeons at University Orthopedics use minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation to help patients recover in a shorter period of time and allow for a quicker return home.

In minimally invasive spine surgery, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half-inch in length instead of three inches. The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through these tiny incisions to access the damaged disc in the spine. Entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues when using minimally invasive techniques.

Minimally invasive spine surgery requires extensive training and experience to master use of the tools, but there is tremendous benefit for the patient.

• Smaller incision and smaller scar
• Less damage to tissues and muscles
• Less blood loss
• Less post-operative pain
• Less painful recovery
• Quicker return to activity

Unlike many other spine care providers, the spine patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery at University Orthopedics can often have their surgery in the morning, and then be home later the same day. Recovery in one’s own home can be more comfortable than staying in a hospital bed.

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Mazor Robotic Surgery System

The Mazor Robotic Surgery System manufactured by Medtronic, one of the world’s largest medical equipment companies, enables the spine surgeon to do advanced planning of a surgery the day before to map out the spine surgery, the fusion and the precise placement of any plates or screws needed in the surgery. Placement of fixation screws in particular can be mapped out in advance to show the optimal angle of screws that is than replicated by the robotic system during the surgery the next day. Click here to learn more.

Spine Navigation and 3D Imaging

Most people who have watched a 3D movie on a big screen, will agree that it is a pretty cool technology. When it comes to 3D imaging for spine navigation to asist with complex spine surgeries, physicians and patients would both agree that this technology is a welcome addition to the operating room as well.

Dr. Alan Daniels, Dr. Craig Eberson and Dr. Phillip Lucas at the University Orthopedics Spine Center in Rhode Island now apply the power of navigation technology to spine surgery. The Spine Navigation System places the spine surgeons at University Orthopedics at the forefront of computer assisted surgery for spine in the nation. Read more here.

Image below shows pedicle screw planning.Image used courtesy Stryker® Corporation. All rights reserved.

EOS®: A Unique Low-Dose 2D/3D Imaging System

In an effort to continue our commitment to providing the highest quality care, University Orthopedics now offers EOS®, a low dose, 2D/3D imaging system dedicated to adult and pediatric patients with musculoskeletal pathologies.

The EOS® system provides low dose, full body, images of patients in a weight-bearing, functional position. It is a bi-planar device that is based on two perpendicular X-ray beams that travel vertically while scanning the patient from head to toe. In a few seconds, the EOS exam produces two simultaneous frontal and lateral, low-dose images of the patient’s entire body without magnification or stitching. Read more here.

Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST)

With the introduction of minimal access spinal technologies (MAST), spine surgeons can make a smaller incision, while at the same time achieve the same results as in open spine surgery. Due to the accuracy provided by these tools, surgeons can access the vertebrae through the narrow probes with surgical cameras and tools.

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Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)

Oftentimes, bone is acquired from the hip of a patient during traditional fusion procedures. Unfortunately, this process may cause pain and discomfort rivaling the actual surgery. Alternatively, it has been introduced to utilize BMP, also known as “bone morphogenetic protein”, a bone-growth substance and eliminate the need for harvesting bone from a person’s hip.

Trace protein extracts are found in bones and are required for the bone to heal or regenerate. A sufficient amount of the protein must be available in order to begin bone formation. Scientists have developed a usable form of BMP that is now being used in place of bone harvested from a patient’s hip. This bone graft is made from pure bone protein (minerals and collagen) and absorbable collagen sponge that promotes new bone formation. Studies show that the positive results achieved from surgery using BMP equal that of an autograft procedure (in which bone is taken from the hip).
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Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is commonly a last resort alternative, after all nonsurgical methods have been exhausted, or when complications such as severely herniated discs or damaged vertebrae simply will not respond to nonsurgical treatments. With this knowledge, the ultimate goal of spine treatment is to reach the root of the problem, while causing the least amount of disruption to the patient’s lifestyle.
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Surgeon Selection

In cases when surgery is the right course of action, it is vital for you to play an active role in selecting the best spine surgeon for you. You should seek out a surgeon that specializes in spine problems rather than one that is non-specialized and conversely treats a wide variety of injuries, such as head, knee and shoulder. As with anything else, practice makes perfect. The more a person does something, the more second nature it becomes.
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