Can Spine Surgery Be a Minimally Invasive Procedure?

Technology has changed the medical world. That is especially true when it comes to surgery. Thanks to advancements in arthroscopy, many spine surgeries can now be performed with minimally invasive techniques.

In fact, if you know you need spine surgery, talk to Patrick S Hill, MD. At our office in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, California, Dr. Hill can determine if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. If you are, Dr. Hill applies his extensive expertise in this area. He’s a seasoned spinal surgeon with an emphasis on minimally invasive surgical techniques.

How minimally invasive surgery works

To perform minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Hill uses a tool called an arthroscope — a tiny and flexible device with a camera on the end. The arthroscope serves as his eyes so he can see what’s going on under your skin.

This way, he doesn’t need to create long incisions to make the surgery site visible. Instead, using the arthroscope and other specialized tools, he can perform your spinal procedure through extremely small incisions.

Dr. Hill can use this tailored type of surgery to perform procedures for people with:

Back pain
Cervical spinal stenosis
Degenerative discs
Kyphosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Neck pain
Nerve problems
Scoliosis
Spinal tumors
Spine infections
Vertebral compression fractures

In short, Dr. Hill can perform a broad range of spine surgeries using minimally invasive techniques. He can determine if you’re a candidate.

The benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery

Because minimally invasive surgery means you can get the spine care you need without sizable incisions, it comes with some significant benefits.

First, it’s safer. Small incisions minimize your risk of blood loss and infections. In fact, minimally invasive surgery comes with a lower risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery.

Beyond that, this type of surgery can make your life easier post-operation. People generally recover from minimally invasive surgery more quickly, both in terms of time in the hospital and overall healing. You’ll require fewer pain medications, too.

To support your recovery after minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Hill gives you specific instructions. Generally, you’ll need to rest for a while. You may also need to wear a brace or take a specific medication. When needed, we also help you get started with physical therapy to ensure you get the best possible outcome from your surgery.

Spine surgery doesn’t have to mean significant incisions and the major recovery and risks that come with them. To see if you’re a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, call our office or schedule your appointment online.