Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Conventional spine surgery requires a long incision and a lengthy recovery period. Minimally invasive surgery, also known as “keyhole” surgery, uses a thin, telescope-like instrument known as an endoscope, which is inserted through small incisions. The endoscope is connected to a tiny video camera – smaller than a dime – which projects an “inside” view of the patient’s body onto television screens in the operating room.

Small surgical instruments may then be passed through one or more additional half-inch incisions. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is used in many different situations, including spinal fusion, herniated discs and treating scoliosis.