While typically seen as a tool of last resort, surgery can occasionally be necessary to provide permanent pain relief for individuals suffering from a variety of conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and other conditions. Traditionally, surgery of this type has been performed using large incisions that result in prolonged recovery times, scarring, and increased risk of complications. However, with advances in technology and surgical techniques, minimally invasive spine and orthopedic surgeries have become a popular alternative that offers numerous benefits over traditional surgical methods.

• Reduced Recovery Time: One of the biggest advantages of minimally invasive spine and orthopedic surgeries is the reduced recovery time. Unlike traditional surgeries that often require long hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation, minimally invasive procedures typically involve smaller incisions and less tissue damage, resulting in a faster healing process. In many cases, patients are able to return home the same day and resume their normal activities much faster than then if they underwent the equivalent invasive procedure.
• Minimal Scarring: Minimally invasive procedures are typically performed through small incisions, usually less than an inch in length. This is in contrast to traditional surgeries that often require large incisions that result in significant scarring. Additionally, the incisions used in minimally invasive procedures can sometimes be strategically placed in areas that are easily hidden, further reducing the visibility of scarring.
• Reduced Pain and Discomfort: Minimally invasive procedures are typically associated with less pain and discomfort compared to traditional surgeries. This is because the procedures cause less tissue damage and there is often less muscle and nerve disruption. As a result, patients typically experience less pain and discomfort during the recovery period and are able to return to their normal activities faster.
• Reduced Risk of Complications: Minimally invasive procedures have a reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgeries. This is because the procedures are performed through smaller incisions, which reduces the risk of infection and other complications associated with larger incisions. In addition, the use of specialized equipment and techniques during minimally invasive procedures helps to minimize the risk of complications.
• Improved Outcomes: Minimally invasive procedures are often associated with improved outcomes compared to traditional surgeries. This is because the procedures cause less tissue damage, less scarring, and a reduced risk of complications. Minimally invasive procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis, which allows patients to return to their normal activities faster and with less discomfort.

Minimally invasive surgery can be used to treat a wide range of spinal conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery can offer comparable or even superior results to traditional open surgery, with fewer risks and complications. One common type of minimally invasive spine surgery is a microdiscectomy - a procedure that is commonly used to treat herniated discs.

If you are considering spine or orthopedic surgery, it is important to discuss your options with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition. Our team of physicians at Total Spine and Orthopedics have decades of experience in all kinds of minimally invasive and traditional surgery and are standing by to help guide you toward effective and long-lasting treatment! Schedule an appointment today by calling (321) 499-4646