20 Nov The Role of Minimally Invasive Techniques in Modern Spine Surgery
Discussion and Explanation of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery by:
Dr. Brent Felix
Brent A. Felix, M.D
Spine Surgery, Bone & Joint Surgery
Salt Lake Orthopaedic Clinic
Suite 4050 Salt Lake City, UT 84124 and
Alpine Orthopaedic Specialists
North Logan, UT 8434
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has become a game changer in orthopedic surgery, offering patients safer and less painful options for treating spinal issues. Dr. Brent Felix, a leading orthopedic spine surgeon, is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for these innovative techniques that provide multiple benefits over traditional methods.
What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery, or MISS, is a technique that allows surgeons to address spine conditions with much smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery. Rather than making large cuts to access the spine, Dr. Felix and his team use special instruments and imaging tools to perform surgery through small incisions. These tools include tiny cameras or endoscopes, which provide a clear view of the spine without the need for large openings.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Techniques
Shorter Recovery Time
Traditional open spine surgeries require large incisions, leading to longer recovery periods, extended hospital stays, and lengthy follow-up treatments. Patients undergoing open spine surgery face several weeks or even months of recovery before they can return to normal activities.
In contrast, minimally invasive techniques change this experience. By minimizing the size and impact of incisions, patients experience a less intensive recovery process. Most patients leave the hospital within a day or two and can resume regular activities in a much shorter time.
Less Pain and Scaring
In traditional open spine surgery, large incisions are often necessary to access the affected area, leading to extensive disruption of muscles, tendons, and soft tissues around the spine. This invasive process results in more considerable pain during recovery, sometimes requiring hidden doses of pain medications that can have side effects.
However, MISS involves small incisions, only a few centimeters in length. This precision means there is much less trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to less post-operative discomfort and a faster recovery period. Also, smaller incisions translate to more minor scars, which is a significant benefit for patients concerned about visible marks or skin trauma.
Lower Risk of Complications
Traditional open surgeries are associated with potential complications such as infections, blood loss, and the risk of anesthesia-related issues due to the extended time patients spend under sedation. Larger incisions expose more tissue, increasing the chance of infection, while extensive surgical manipulation can result in higher blood loss.
Minimally invasive methods involve small incisions, leading to minimal exposure of the internal tissues. With less area exposure, the risk of infection drops significantly, making minimally invasive surgery safer in this respect. Also, because these techniques are less disruptive to surrounding tissues, the risk of blood loss is reduced. Patients also spend less time in the operating room, which reduces the risks associated with anesthesia.
Transforming Spine Surgery With Dr. Brent Felix
MISS is transforming orthopedic care, offering patients safer and more effective options for spinal treatment. Dr. Brent Felix champions this approach, which reduces recovery times, pain levels, and complication risks. By utilizing smaller incisions and advanced imaging techniques, Dr. Felix ensures patients experience less trauma and scarring, allowing for quicker returns to daily activities.
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Last Updated on November 25, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD