Menu
Minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion is similar to traditional lumbar spinal fusion, but it uses smaller incisions and causes less damage to the surrounding tissues during surgery.
As with traditional lumbar spinal fusion, there are many specific techniques available to try to fuse the vertebrae together using minimally invasive techniques. This can be done through the abdomen, from the back, from the side, or with any combination of these.
Minimally invasive lumbar fusion through the abdomen uses four small incisions, approximately ½ inch in length. A fiber optic viewing camera is used, similar to other minimally invasive procedures.
Fusion with screws and rods can be performed through the back using several 1-2 inch incisions. In these cases a series of increasingly larger dilators (hollow tubes with solid inserts) are inserted through the incisions to help spread the muscles apart. Once the muscles have been moved away, the screws and rods can be placed through the dilator tubes. In some cases an operating microscope is used to help the surgeon see more clearly.
One of the most recent advances in minimally invasive lumbar spinal fusion is the ability to perform fusion surgery through the patient’s side. There are several techniques that allow the surgeon to make a small incision, approximately 2 inches in the patient’s side, directly over the planned fusion site. The muscles are then carefully moved aside, and a series of increasing larger dilators are inserted down to the lumbar spine. Specialized instruments can then be used through the dilator tube to remove the intervertebral disc and place a bone graft or metal or plastic spacer in its place. This technique is typically combined with a procedure from the back to place rods and screws for additional support.
The major advantage of all of these minimally invasive techniques is that there is less damage caused to the surrounding tissues. The minimally invasive techniques can more gently spread through the muscles to allow access to the spine. This is much less painful for the patient, and it does not require as long of a recovery period for the muscle to heal.
Another benefit of less muscle damage is less blood loss and thus a reduced need for blood transfusions using the minimally invasive techniques. There is often less need for narcotic pain medications following this form of surgery.
Pre-operative testing and any other necessary arrangements for your surgery are managed by the Surgical Coordinator. Please contact the Surgical Coordinator with any surgical questions you may have.
Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Orthopedic surgeons treat a variety of conditions, such as auto accident fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, scoliosis, and osteoporosis.
Interventional pain management is a medical specialty that uses minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat chronic pain. Procedures include epidurals, medial branch blocks, and radio frequency ablation.
You may schedule an appointment by phone, by calling our Daytona office at (386) 317-5149, or our Palm Coast office at (888) 997-3952.
Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any medications you are currently taking, any relevant medical records, and any questions you may have for your doctor.
During your first visit, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs. Your doctor will discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.
The length of an appointment varies depending on the nature of the visit. A routine follow-up appointment may only last 15-20 minutes, while a consultation or evaluation may take an hour or more.
Interventional pain management specialists treat a variety of pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, nerve pain, and chronic headaches.
It depends on your insurance provider and specific policy. Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician, while others allow patients to self-refer. Please check with your insurance provider for details.
