Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: An Overview

Dr. Manny Emenike
Authors:Dr. Manny Emenike | Brian Takita
Posted on:March 22, 2024

Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) offers patients a variety of options. For relief from back pain and other spinal conditions. MISS techniques involve smaller incisions than traditional open surgery. Which has less tissue damage & quicker recovery periods. Peakexistence provides minimally invasive spinal procedures including:

  • Aurora ZIP™ Procedure
  • Discseel® Procedure
  • Kyphoplasty
  • Percutaneous Disc Decompression
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery: An Overview

Aurora ZIP™ Procedure

The Aurora ZIP™ Procedure is a minimally invasive lumbar fusion treatment. Designed to address back & leg pain caused by spinal instability. This procedure utilizes the Aurora ZIP™ Interspinous Spacer. A device implanted to bridge & stabilize the affected vertebrae without sacrificing mobility. Ideal for patients with spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spine. The Aurora ZIP™ Procedure is a viable option when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. Like physical therapy & epidural steroid injections[1].

Targets

Degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal instability.

Approach

Unique expandable implant for fusion with less bone removal.

Advantages of the Aurora ZIP™ Procedure

  • Lower infection risk
  • Preserves natural spine movement
  • Quicker recovery time

Discseel® Procedure

The Discseel® Procedure treats chronic low-back & neck pain. This non-surgical spine procedure uses an FDA-approved biologic called Fibrin. To seal & heal damaged spinal discs. The procedure replaces many spine surgeries currently performed. Offering a regenerative medicine approach to treating degenerative:

  • disc disease
  • disc herniation
  • other spinal conditions

Patients are discharged 30 minutes following treatment. Returning to daily activities within a week. The U.S. Department of Defense & Veterans Affairs recognizes this procedure. Awarding a contract to Discseel® Technologies to train physicians. Distributing this medical technology across their hospitals[2][3].

Targets

Chronic pain from damaged spinal discs.

Approach

Injection of a biological sealant to seal disc tears & promote healing.

Advantages of the Discseel® Procedure

  • Non-surgical approach
  • Promotes disc healing
  • Minimizes recovery time

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures. It involves the percutaneous insertion of a balloon into the fractured vertebra. Which is then inflated to restore the vertebral height. Then injecting bone cement to stabilize the bone. This procedure not only addresses pain but also corrects vertebral deformity. Kyphoplasty provides significant pain relief. Improving in vertebral body height with a low rate of complications[4][5].

Targets

Painful compression fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer.

Approach

Balloons to elevate the vertebra followed by bone cement stabilization.

Advantages of Kyphoplasty

  • Immediate pain relief
  • Restores vertebral height
  • Quick procedure, typically under an hour

Percutaneous Disc Decompression

Percutaneous Disc Decompression is also known as nucleoplasty. It is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain caused by herniated discs. The procedure uses a needle inserted into the disc. To remove excess tissue, relieving pressure on the nerves. This technique is guided by real-time imaging & can be performed using various methods. Including cutting & aspiration, chemical dissolution, or thermal ablation. Patients typically report a positive change in their condition following the procedure. Returning to normal daily activities with minimal pain[6][7].

Targets

Pressure on spinal nerves caused by disc bulges or stenosis.

Approach

Removal of tiny amounts of disc or bone to create more space for nerves.

Advantages of Percutaneous Disc Decompression

  • Minimal scarring
  • Reduced risk of muscle damage
  • Outpatient procedure

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a minimally invasive technique. Implantating a device to deliver electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. To manage:

  • chronic pain conditions
  • refractory angina
  • gastrointestinal disorders

This method is particularly useful for patients who have not found relief through other treatments. SCS can reduce pain levels & improve the quality of life for patients with chronic pain syndromes. Including those resulting from failed back surgery syndrome. The procedure involves a trial stage followed by final implantation. With the device's electrical impulses being adjustable to maximize pain relief[8][9].

Targets

Chronic neuropathic pain is unresponsive to other treatments.

Approach

The implanted device delivers electrical impulses to help mask pain signals.

Advantages of Spinal Cord Stimulation

  • Controlled by the patient
  • Adjustable pain relief
  • Reversible if necessary

Conclusion

Minimally invasive spinal surgery offers a range of innovative options for patients. Seeking relief from spinal conditions. Each of these procedures provides a unique approach to treatment:

  • Aurora ZIP™
  • Discseel®
  • Kyphoplasty
  • Percutaneous Disc Decompression
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation

Emphasizing:

  • reduced invasiveness
  • quicker recovery
  • effective pain management

[1]:

The Aurora ZIP™ Procedure | A minimally invasive spine surgery for chronic spine-related pain

[2]:

Discseel® Technologies Awarded Contract Approval by the Department of Defense and V.A.

[3]:

DISCSEEL® PROCEDURE

[4]:

Kyphoplasty (nih)

[5]:

Kyphoplasty (physio-pedia)

[6]:

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

[7]:

Percutaneous cervical disc decompression

[8]:

Spinal Cord Stimulator (wikipedia)

[9]:

Spinal Cord Stimulator (hopkinsmedicine)