Atlanta and Canton Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery | Back Pain Atlanta | Technology | Dr. Steven Spitz

Technology

Minimally invasive spine surgery is surgery performed using the least invasive techniques and minimal incisions possible to access the spine. This can involve special instruments and implants designed to be delivered through that least invasive opening. Traditional spine surgery involves long, deep cuts through muscles, which can leave long scars and require an extended amount of healing time.

In minimally invasive spine surgery, a small incision is made. A series of tubular dilators is then inserted in order to widen the opening to grant surgeons access to the area with minimal damage to muscle tissue. Because the muscle tissue is spread apart, it is able to close back after surgery is complete. This means less scarring and a faster recovery time than traditional spine surgery. The surgeon then works through the tubes, using special tools to perform the surgery.

Images Guidance

Image guided minimally invasive spine surgery is the safest and most precise technique for doctors performing spinal instrumentation using minimally invasive techniques. Sophisticated imaging tools such as a StealthStation1 and a special O-arm scanner1 produce images all around your body. The doctor is able to produce a virtual 3 dimensional image of the spine that shows screw placement and trajectory as he operates, much like one uses GPS for directions. This allows the surgeon to place spinal instrumentation more precisely with decreased chances of instrumentation malposition and reoperation.

Benefits

The benefits to minimally invasive spine surgery are numerous. By working through a smaller incision, pain and blood loss are reduced, as well as tissue and muscle damage. Patients may have a shorter hospital stay than with traditional spine surgery, as well as less need for post-operative narcotics. Because musculature damage is reduced, pain and recovery time are cut down, so the patient can get back to living life sooner, rather than later. Depending on the procedure, patients can leave the hospital in as little as 1-2 days. Your doctor will advise you on the length of your stay.

Robotic Spine Surgery

Much like image guided minimally invasive spine surgery, robotic spine surgery uses sophisticated imaging tools and merges it to software associated with a robotic arm that assists the surgeon in operative planning and placement of spinal instrumentation.