Undergoing spine surgery can be overwhelming. You may not be sure how long your recovery process will take, and you are probably worried about the effects of the surgery on your body. Traditional spine surgeries take a serious toll on a person’s body, but minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) provides many other benefits. Many surgeons opt to use this approach to conduct spine surgeries in order to provide faster recovery and less damage to the body.
There are several myths surrounding MISS, however. They often focus on the recovery time, risks involved, and the effectiveness of the procedure. However, a skilled surgeon will walk through all applicable treatment options with a patient to allow the patient to make such an informed decision. If you are facing spine surgery, do not be afraid to ask your surgeon questions about their methods. The experienced team of surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic is prepared to treat many spinal conditions using MISS techniques.
What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery is a surgical technique in which the surgeon utilizes a smaller incision and prioritizes minimal spinal exposure for the patient. During a MISS procedure, the surgeon makes a very small incision and performs the surgery only through that incision. The surgeon uses unique tools that are designed to operate on the spine through such a small incision. More and more surgeons are choosing to perform MISS procedures in order to reduce the risk to the patient and speed up recovery time.
MISS procedures can be a great option for many patients, but some people are hesitant to choose it over traditional spine surgery. Misinformation may lead a patient to believe that a minimally invasive procedure is not as effective as traditional spine surgery. This is why it is important for doctors and surgeons to educate their patients about all applicable treatment options.
Common Myths Surrounding Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Unfortunately, many patients either assume or have heard various reasons not to explore minimally invasive spine surgery. We are here to help debunk the following three myths in order to shed light on the truth about these procedures:
Myth 1: Recovery Time for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is the Same as Traditional Spine Surgery
A lot of people assume that a MISS procedure requires around the same recovery time as any other traditional spine surgery. However, just because a MISS procedure involves operating on the spine, this does not mean the recovery will be long and drawn out. In fact, many people who undergo a MISS procedure can return home the same day. Additionally, many patients are able to return to their everyday activities within six weeks.
Myth 2: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Is Riskier Than Traditional Spine Surgery
Due to the very small incision used in minimally invasive spine surgery, many people think the surgeon is operating blindly. This causes some people to assume a MISS procedure is riskier, but that is not the case. In a minimally invasive procedure, surgeons use specialized tools and equipment that allow them to operate with even more precision. These tools are designed to fit within the small incision, and a microscopic camera gives the surgeon plenty of visibility.
Myth 3: Only Minor Issues Can Be Treated With Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
A common misconception about these procedures is that they can only treat minor issues. However, MISS techniques can be used to treat many different spine conditions such as scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. More and more surgeons are turning to MISS because it allows patients to heal faster and is not as hard on the patient’s body as traditional surgery.
Contact NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today to Discuss Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Some people may assume a less invasive surgery with a shorter recovery time is not as effective as a more complicated surgery, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Minimally invasive spine surgery is becoming more and more common, and it offers effective results and quicker recovery times. Our award-winning surgeons have used MISS techniques to treat many different spinal conditions.
The experienced team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic is ready to treat your spinal condition. You can contact us today by filling out our contact form or by calling (866) 553-0612.