The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) estimates that 75 to 85 percent of people experience episodes of back pain in their lifetime. The majority of cases resolve on their own or with conservative treatment like rest and physical therapy.
In rare cases, however, chronic back or neck pain conditions require surgery to stabilize the spine or relieve pressure. Minimally invasive spine surgery allows us to address the root cause of your pain without the risks of traditional open surgery.
Spine specialist Sanjay Khurana, MD, offers multiple types of minimally invasive spine surgery, including endoscopic, microscopic, and robotic surgery. How does minimally invasive spine surgery work? Let’s learn more.
Muscle tissue within the body surrounds the spinal nerves, discs, and vertebrae. While traditional open-back surgery requires a large incision to retract this tissue, minimally invasive spine surgery uses small incisions and specialized tools to access the target surgical area around the spine.
During microscopic spine surgery, we use ultra-sensitive surgical microscopes to precisely target delicate areas of your spine for repair. Dr. Khurana may also use an endoscope, a fiber-optic tube featuring a light and camera.
The endoscope allows us to see the interior of your body through one or more half-inch incisions, which enables Dr. Khurana to examine the spinal area and make the necessary repairs with small surgical instruments.
After the operation is complete, we remove the surgical equipment and close the incisions with sutures or staples. Patients typically recover in the hospital for three to five days, though recovery times may vary.
This surgical approach can benefit a variety of spinal conditions, including:
However, minimally invasive surgery isn’t suitable for every patient. Open surgery may be the safer or most effective option in certain circumstances. Dr. Khurana determines the best course of treatment for your spinal condition with a thorough examination and a review of your symptoms and health history.
Minimally invasive spine surgeries are generally safe and fast, and require a shorter recovery period than open spine surgery. Due to the small size of the incisions, there’s little scarring.
This approach to spinal surgery results in less damage to healthy muscles and soft tissue, reducing your risk of postoperative pain and infection. While you need to limit your movement for a period, some patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sanjay Khurana specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery in Marina Del Rey, California. Call or click to make an appointment online today to learn if you’re a candidate.
