What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is designed to achieve the same surgical goals as traditional open surgery with far less disruption to the body.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques use a series of small tube-like retractors called dilators that gently separate muscle fibers rather than cutting or tearing them. The surgeon then works through these tubes, which are typically less than one inch wide, while using a microscope or endoscope to see the surgical field in high definition.
At Spine Solutions Hollywood, Boca Raton, and Coral Gables, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Behnam Myers is board-certified in these advanced techniques and, just like thousands of other patients across the Miami & South Florida area, he can help you find relief through minimally invasive spine surgery.
What Conditions Are Treated With Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive techniques can address a wide range of spinal conditions that once required large open incisions. Conditions routinely treated with minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- Herniated discs, where the soft inner material of a disc presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord
- Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs
- Degenerative disc disease that has not responded to conservative treatments and requires disc removal or fusion
- Spondylolisthesis, where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, causing instability and nerve compression
- Sciatica caused by a nerve root compression that fails to improve with nonsurgical care
- Spinal fractures that require stabilization with screws and rods
- Synovial cysts or other benign growths that compress nerves within the spinal canal
Not every condition is suitable for a minimally invasive approach. Dr. Myers evaluates each patient individually and recommends the approach that gives you the best chance of a positive outcome with the lowest possible risk.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Procedures We Perform
Modern minimally invasive spine surgery encompasses a range of specialized procedures, each designed to address a specific spinal condition while causing as little disruption to your body as possible. The right procedure for you depends on your diagnosis, symptom location, and overall health. Some of the most common procedures include:
- Lumbar microdiscectomy to remove herniated disc material pressing on a nerve in the lower back
- Cervical discectomy with fusion to remove a damaged disc in the neck and stabilize the area
- Lumbar laminectomy to widen the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
- Artificial disc replacement to preserve motion while removing a painful or worn-out disc
- Lumbar interbody fusion to permanently stabilize a painful spinal segment
- Cervical corpectomy to remove a vertebral body and adjacent discs for more extensive spinal cord decompression
- Lumbar interspinous spacer insertion to open the spinal canal in patients with stenosis
- Sacroiliac joint fusion to stop painful motion at the sacroiliac joint
The minimally invasive surgical process typically begins with a tiny incision less than one inch long. Through this opening, Dr. Myers inserts dilating tubes that gently separate muscle fibers rather than cutting them, often using an endoscope for a magnified view on a video monitor. The specifics of each surgery vary, but the guiding principle remains the same: achieve an optimal surgical result with less pain, less scarring, and a faster return to your daily life.
Get Effective Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Miami & South Florida
Choosing a spine surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will ever make for your health. At Spine Solutions, we believe that excellent surgical outcomes begin with genuine trust, clear communication, and a team that treats you like family, not a case number. From your first visit at our Hollywood, Boca Raton, or Coral Gables surgery clinics, you will notice the difference.
Dr. Myers has successfully helped countless South Florida patients return to golfing, traveling, playing with grandchildren, and sleeping through the night without pain. Our entire team coordinates your care seamlessly, from pre-surgical education to postoperative follow-up, so you never feel lost or alone in the process.
Ready to get relief from your debilitating back pain? Request an appointment today to get started at Spine Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Is minimally invasive spine surgery as effective as open surgery?
Will I need a brace after minimally invasive spine surgery?
How soon can I drive after surgery?
Most patients stop taking narcotic pain medications within one to two weeks and can resume driving at that time, provided they are not taking pain medications and can turn their head and torso comfortably. It’s a good idea to check in with our team before getting behind the wheel.
