What is the difference between minimally invasive spine surgery and traditional spine surgery?

Back issues and pains are some of the leading causes of discomfort among people in contemporary times. Even the younger population is becoming readily susceptible to orthopaedic conditions. But, with the rise in diseases, the quality of treatment has also significantly improved. From non-invasive procedures to premium topical medications, the host of treatments available is astounding. But, today, we will be highlighting minimally invasive spine surgery and traditional spine surgery.

Traditional Open Surgery – A Crisp Overview 

Eponymous to its name, traditional spine surgery is deemed the standard treatment for most neck and back, spinal issues. The procedure entails exposing the spring vis-à-vis a midline approach so that the surgeon can visualize all facets of the spine. The intrinsic pointer that separates traditional open surgery from minimally invasive surgery is the extensive exposure of the former. Owing to more exposure to the spine, the possibility of disrupting the proximal muscle tissues heightens. A larger skin incision is also required for the surgeon to see and analyse all they have to apply. The disadvantage of traditional spine surgery is the greater risk of inherent infections, bleeding, more pain, and so forth. But simultaneously, it is vital to keep in mind that traditional spinal surgery is the gold standard in spinal pathology, and its immediate alternative in terms of price and prevalence has not yet been discovered.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery – A Crisp Summary

Abbreviated as MISS, the minimally invasive spine surgery is performed to address concentrated spinal conditions and don’t mandate more extensive dissections. Instead, it is performed by utilizing hi-tech tools such as diagnostic imaging, MRI, and so forth. What makes MISS different from traditional spine surgeries is the consequent exposure which is less. Hence, the susceptibility to infections, pain, and soft tissue injury alleviates.

Now that we have discussed both techniques, let us highlight their differences in points.

Traditional Spinal Surgery V/S Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

• MISS is associated with minor tissue damage, whereas traditional spine surgery can make tissue damage a real problem.
• There is less blood loss in MISS as compared to traditional spine surgery.
• Traditional spine surgery is the ‘gold standard, and most doctors are aptly trained in it. MISS is a recent innovation, and all orthopaedic and spinal centres might not be equipped with the technology.
• MISS cannot be utilized for all kinds of spinal cord problems.
• MISS is less painful than traditional spine surgery.
• The rehabilitation period linked to minimally invasive surgery is negligible in most cases. On the contrary, traditional spine surgery mandates extensive healing periods.

In conclusion, we can safely assert that traditional spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery have pros and cons. If you are perplexed between the two, don’t hesitate to take advice from your doctor or specialist regarding what treatment or surgery will be proper for you. But the physician must recommend the optimal procedure as per the patient’s history and circumstances.