subject: Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Minimizes Recovery Time, Offers Maximum Benefits [print this page] Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Minimizes Recovery Time, Offers Maximum Benefits
With the significant advantages of endoscopic spine surgery, it's easy to see why more than 90% of the procedures the board certified orthopedic spine surgeons do now at Spinal Centers of America are endoscopic rather than open spine procedures.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is considered a minimally invasive procedure because the incision is quite small about one inch -- and can be covered with a Band-Aid. Because the incision is so small, there is less damage to muscle tissues and ligaments, which means endoscopic techniques help preserve the spine's supporting structures creating better spinal stability. Patients who choose endoscopic spine surgery also have much quicker recovery times than those who undergo traditional open spine surgery and can usually return to work in days rather than weeks or months.
Because endoscopic spine surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, patients can walk out of the office a few hours after surgery. They can drive the next day. And, they can return to work in two to seven days, an important consideration for many patients in today's economy. Patients no longer have to continue to live with the pain simply because they can't afford to miss work and they can get "back to life" -- free of pain.
Endoscopic procedures also minimize the use of anesthesia, risk of infection, blood loss and pain during recovery.
Considering the advantages, you're probably asking why more spine surgeons aren't using endoscopic techniques. The answer is that it takes years to become experienced in endoscopic procedures. Once more spine surgeons complete the necessary training, endoscopic spine surgery will become a standard procedure to treat a number of chronic back and spine problems. When looking for a physician for your procedures, we strongly recommend selecting a board certified orthopedic spine surgeon who has performed more than 300 endoscopic spine procedures for best results because they have the extensive training and familiarity with matters relating to the spine needed for procedures in this critical area.
