Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Spine problems can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life, whether you’re a student athlete, a working adult, or a retiree staying active. Fortunately, advancements in orthopaedics have led to minimally invasive surgical techniques that can treat many spinal conditions with less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times than traditional procedures.

At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties—serving Chardon, Chagrin Falls, and Middlefield, Ohio—our experienced team offers a wide range of cutting-edge treatments, including minimally invasive spine surgery. Contact us today to find out more!

What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) refers to a variety of surgical techniques designed to treat spinal conditions with the least amount of disruption to surrounding muscles, soft tissues, and bone. Unlike traditional spine surgery, which often involves large incisions and extensive muscle dissection, MISS uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments—including microscopes and cameras—to access and repair the affected area.

The goal of minimally invasive surgery is to preserve as much of the natural spinal structure as possible while effectively addressing the root cause of pain or dysfunction. These techniques can be used on many parts of the spinal column, from the cervical spine (neck) to the lumbar spine (lower back).

A doctor explaining spine surgery using a model to a patient with back problems in Ohio.

Conditions Treated with Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive procedures can treat a wide range of spinal conditions, including:

  • Herniated disc: When the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes out and irritates nearby nerves.
  • Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord or nerves.
  • Degenerative disc disease: When the spinal discs break down over time, causing pain or instability.
  • Spinal fractures: Often resulting from trauma or osteoporosis, these can be stabilized with minimally invasive techniques.
  • Spinal tumors: Certain benign or malignant growths can be removed using endoscopic spine surgery.
  • Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips over another, which may require spinal fusion.
  • Spinal infections or abscesses: In some cases, minimally invasive procedures can be used to drain or remove infected tissue.

Types of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries

Several minimally invasive procedures are commonly performed at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties:

  • Endoscopic spine surgery: A small camera and surgical tools are inserted through tiny incisions to remove damaged disc material or bone spurs.
  • Spinal decompression surgery: This includes laminectomy or discectomy procedures to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
  • Minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery: Fuses two or more vertebrae using bone grafts and hardware to stabilize the spine, commonly used in cases of spinal instability or deformity.
  • Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: Used to treat spinal fractures by injecting bone cement into collapsed vertebrae.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Techniques?

Patients undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery often experience several key benefits compared to traditional open surgery:

  • Smaller incisions mean less damage to soft tissues and muscles.
  • Reduced blood loss and lower risk of infection.
  • Shorter hospital stays, with many procedures performed on an outpatient basis.
  • Faster recovery times, allowing patients to return to work, school, or physical activity sooner.
  • Less postoperative pain, often reducing the need for strong pain medications.
  • Lower risk of complications, especially in healthy candidates who follow post-op care instructions.

 

These benefits make minimally invasive surgery particularly appealing to active adults, student athletes, and older adults looking to maintain mobility.

Who is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Not everyone with back or neck pain is a candidate for MISS. You may be eligible if:

  • You have a clearly diagnosed condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or a spinal fracture.
  • You’ve tried conservative treatments like physical therapy or injections without relief.
  • Imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans) show a treatable issue in the spinal canal or spinal column.
  • You are in good general health and can tolerate anesthesia and recovery.

 

A thorough evaluation by the spine specialists at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties will determine whether minimally invasive surgery is the best option for your unique condition.

Do Minimally Invasive Procedures Have Risks?

While minimally invasive techniques offer many advantages, they are still surgical procedures and carry some risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve damage
  • Incomplete symptom relief
  • Need for additional surgery
  • Complications related to anesthesia
 

That said, these risks are typically lower than with traditional spine surgery. Working with an experienced orthopaedic team and following post-operative instructions can significantly reduce these risks.

What is the Recovery Period Like After a Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery, your age, and your overall health. In general:

  • Most patients can return home the same day or within 24–48 hours.
  • Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter or mild prescription medication.
  • Light activities, such as walking, are encouraged soon after surgery.
  • Physical therapy often begins within a few days to weeks and focuses on strengthening core muscles and improving mobility.
  • Many people return to work or sports within 4–6 weeks, though full recovery from spinal fusion may take a few months.

Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan and closely monitor your progress to ensure optimal outcomes.

Your Spine Health Matters

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers a safe and effective solution for many common spinal conditions, allowing patients of all ages to return to the activities they love with less downtime. Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury, struggling with spinal stenosis, or dealing with a herniated disc, the expert orthopaedic team at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties is here to help.

With convenient locations in Chardon, Chagrin Falls, and Middlefield, OH, we’re proud to serve active individuals and families across Northeast Ohio. If you’re experiencing back or neck pain and wondering if minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation today!

Medically reviewed by George J. Kellis, M.D.