Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
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Austin Neurosurgical Institute
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery & Complex Spine Surgery located in Austin, TX
Minimally invasive spine surgery is an advanced procedure that offers significantly less post-operative pain and faster recovery when compared with traditional open surgery. At Austin Neurosurgical Institute, accredited neurological surgeon Thomas Loftus, MD, FAANS, has provided minimally invasive procedures for more than 16 years and is qualified to help you resolve pain and dysfunction associated with herniated discs, neck and back pain, or serious spinal conditions. Call the office in Austin, Texas, or use the online tool to schedule an appointment today and learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Q&A
What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery?
Using minimally invasive surgery for spine or neurological disorders offers numerous benefits. In addition to successfully resolving pain and restoring function, minimally invasive procedures result in faster healing and recovery when compared with traditional open surgery.
Minimally invasive techniques involve smaller incisions and less trauma to the muscles and soft tissue in the treatment area.
Patients also experience less blood loss during surgery and a decreased risk of muscle damage. Scarring is minimal, and you have less risk of infection and serious post-operative pain. As a result, you spend less time in the hospital after your procedure; many patients go home after just one night or even the day of their surgery.
Rehabilitation after minimally invasive surgery is also faster and less involved than rehab after open surgery. You have less need for painkillers post-procedure, reducing your risk of developing a worrisome dependence on pharmaceuticals.
What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery?
When conservative therapies, like exercise, weight loss, medications, or injections, fail to bring you relief, minimally invasive spine surgery is an option.
Minimally invasive spine surgery can help you find relief from the pain and dysfunction caused by:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar or cervical spinal stenosis
- Spinal instability, including spondylolisthesis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal infections
- Spinal deformities, like scoliosis
Dr. Loftus carefully evaluates your case to determine whether minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you. He reviews your medical history and past treatments, as well as doing a thorough physical exam before recommending surgical treatment.
How do you conduct minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery involves small incisions and specialized instruments guided by a microscopic video camera. Your procedure depends on your specific case, including the area of your spine to be treated, your complaints, and your diagnosis.
Some of the more common minimally invasive spine surgeries Dr. Loftus performs are:
Discectomy
A discectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery to remove or trim a herniated disc.
Spinal decompression
During spinal decompression, Dr. Loftus removes bone spurs or reshapes soft tissue that is compressing or narrowing your spinal canal and causing nerve pain.
Spinal fusion
Spinal fusion may be performed in the cervical, lumbar, or sacroiliac areas. Dr. Loftus uses a bone graft from your pelvis or another area to unite bones at the point of pain along your spine. Spinal fusion increases spinal stability and eliminates painful movement.
To find out if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery, call Austin Neurosurgical Institute today, or use the online tool to book a consultation.